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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Though his garbage-sifting has waned, his vendetta is as strong as ever. —

Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 But what used to be one of the great set pieces of the sporting calendar is now spread as thinly as Marmite on a slice of toast, eking out what remains of the competition’s waning relevance across five days. —

George Caulkin, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Noun

The sun has an 11-year cycle during which its magnetic activity waxes and wanes. —

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 This peak of the sun’s 11 year solar cycle, during which its magnetic activity waxes and wanes, is predicted to last for at least the next year. —

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wane

Verb

Happiness is something fans appear to be embracing on Erika these days, with the onslaught of social media negativity subsiding in favor of praise.

— Dave Quinn, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Following last year's devastating tornadoes and storms, insurance challenges are unlikely to subside anytime soon.

— Linh Ta, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025