waning 1 of 3

Definition of waningnext

waning

2 of 3

noun

waning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of wane

Example 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 waning
Adjective
Even better, the peak of this shower, which should produce on average between 8 to 10 meteors per hour, will arrive under dark skies thanks to a meager waning crescent moon. Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
But Wells points out that in addition to the natural waning of the virus, other public health measures, such as vaccination and isolation, are instrumental in stopping its spread. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
The immune response is strong at younger ages, and there has not been evidence of significant waning protection. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 With the score tied at 2 in the waning minutes of regulation, Guenther took a shot off the rush, got his own rebound and then hit the puck off the post. ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 That buildup of mediocre results is now colliding with a waning interest in sustainability across industries. Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026 This history shows an uneven picture of social change, as changes in girls sports were driven by the waxing and waning of 20th-century women’s rights movements. Michael A Messner, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026 Owen Tippett added an empty-netter in the waning minutes. CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, internal market forces that can create a rally in Tesla shares are waning. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026 After his injury on December 14 during the waning minutes of a loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes underwent surgery in Dallas, followed by near-immediate rehab back in Kansas City. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 Election watchers viewed the outcomes as a sign GOP support might be waning. Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waning
Adjective
  • While pruning, remove any winter damage, along with dead and declining growths, to allow new shoots to reform the plant.
    Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 6 Mar. 2021
  • In order to reopen, counties must demonstrate declining prevalence of COVID-19, testing ability of 30 tests per 10,000 residents per week, contact tracing and isolation facilities.
    Fox News, Fox News, 15 May 2020
Noun
  • While it’s made of weather-resistant wicker, shoppers recommend covering it during inclement weather to prevent fading.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Proper storage—like keeping books upright, away from moisture, and out of direct sunlight—prevents fading, mold, and pests.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • These changes were to be achieved by increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, decreasing the consumption of meat and eggs, and substituting nonfat milk for whole milk.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In addition, federal funding is decreasing.
    Kristina Rex, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Garden centers aren't giving a refund for a dying or dead plant but rather a discount on a new purchase.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Plant Diseases Soilborne fungal diseases can attack roots, causing sudden, permanent wilting.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
  • April in Central Florida is commonly one of the drier months of the year before summer rains, showing itself instead with brown lawns, wilting bushes, burning forests and smoky skies.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fans’ attachment is largely to the kids, who aren’t kids anymore, and ’80s nostalgia, which is a diminishing resource.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The densest areas fragment first, diminishing further in size.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The state graded the campus an F for three consecutive years, meaning two more failing grades could trigger an intervention.
    Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But there were no signs that the conflict was subsiding.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • But, by the end of May, the issue was not subsiding.
    Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waning. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on waning

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster