1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dwindle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dwindle are abate, decrease, diminish, lessen, and reduce. While all these words mean "to grow or make less," dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

Where would abate be a reasonable alternative to dwindle?

While the synonyms abate and dwindle are close in meaning, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

When could decrease be used to replace dwindle?

Although the words decrease and dwindle have much in common, decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

When is diminish a more appropriate choice than dwindle?

The synonyms diminish and dwindle are sometimes interchangeable, but diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

When can lessen be used instead of dwindle?

In some situations, the words lessen and dwindle are roughly equivalent. However, lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

When might reduce be a better fit than dwindle?

The words reduce and dwindle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

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 dwindle The Mentalist has been living in Paris, off the dwindling dregs of a book advance. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 28 July 2025 Oscar’s role is to keep the house running indefinitely, expand their dwindling finances, and as the sole child, one day to produce an heir. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 July 2025 Aid deliveries subsequently dwindled again, and stringent Israeli inspections further delayed shipments. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 That also means the opportunities to make a case for yourself are dwindling, though history suggests someone will get very hot in August and force themselves into the Ryder Cup discussion in a way no one saw coming. Brody Miller, New York Times, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dwindle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dwindle
Verb
  • Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • Morning dopamine spikes from phone use reduce your motivation to pursue slower, more meaningful tasks later.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2025
  • The folate in avocado also aids in controlling serotonin and dopamine levels, which can decrease risk of depression.
    Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Authorities emphasized that beaches and waterfront areas should be avoided until the threat of wave activity fully subsides.
    Barney Henderson Robert Birsel John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
  • Combined with other public health efforts, this clean needle initiative caused the outbreak to subside.
    Dave Wessner, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Previously, the district offered free lunches to all students, using federal grant money that has now been depleted.
    Lauren Brensel, Sun Sentinel, 30 July 2025
  • Because carbohydrate stores are depleted, the levels of sugar in the blood are low, which can cause fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness.
    Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Brown-Forman's sales declined 5% in the 2025 fiscal year, partly due to ongoing tariff disputes.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • The wrestler had first been pitched a TV series in 2002, but declined.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • But instead, she was met with a mystery: every single bud had vanished overnight.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 July 2025
  • On their way to the remote valley where Melanie vanished, Clover, Max (Michael Cimino), Megan (Ji-young Yoo), Nina (Odessa A'zion), and Abe (Belmont Cameli) stop at a gas station.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Then the tarp came out as rain that had been falling around Bristol much of Saturday turned heavy and delayed the start.
    Teresa M. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Pair them with billowy blouses to close out the summer, then whip out your favorite chunky knit sweaters come fall for a stylish, boho look.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dwindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dwindle. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dwindle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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