WANE Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'wane' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of wane are abate , ebb , and subside . While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive. // waning enthusiasm

Q: When could 'abate' be used to replace 'wane'?

The words abate and wane can be used in similar contexts, but abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing. // the storm abated

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ebb' instead of 'wane'?

While in some cases nearly identical to wane , ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes. // the ebbing of daylight

Q: Where would 'subside' be a reasonable alternative to 'wane'?

The meanings of subside and wane largely overlap; however, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation. // the protests subsided after a few days

wane 1 of 2

verb

ˈwān

Definition of wane next

as in to subside

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually in the course of the evening the storm steadily waned

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wane

2 of 2

noun

as in ebb

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word wane distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of wane are abate, ebb, and subside. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive.

waning enthusiasm

When could abate be used to replace wane?

The words abate and wane can be used in similar contexts, but abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

When is it sensible to use ebb instead of wane?

While in some cases nearly identical to wane, ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

Where would subside be a reasonable alternative to wane?

The meanings of subside and wane largely overlap; however, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of wane

Verb

After multiple cycles of pregnancy and birth, when a dairy cow’s milk productivity wanes, she’s typically sent to slaughter. —

Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 2 Nov. 2024 That’s not uncommon for legacy bands in the country, as even the most beloved artists see their time as hitmakers wane, typically after only a few years. —

Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

The wax and wane of terrorism warnings over the years has generally corresponded with the level of actual risk. —

Graham Allison, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024 You’re left enduring a bumpy ride on a road to nowhere, in other words, and neither the film’s wane familiarity nor its welcome, pro-smut good intentions can make the journey worthwhile. —

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wane

Verb

But as soon as the trouble subsides, that response flips off, which may affect your immune system, too, Dr. Lee says.

Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024
But foot traffic subsides after two years, Young said, while zoos spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on bamboo that the pandas sometimes refuse.

Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024