as in decreasing
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
you'll find the symptoms begin tapering gradually about 24 hours after you take the medicine
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Recent Examples of tapering
The style features an exaggerated fit that balloons out from the hip before tapering at the ankle, creating a sculptural, banana-like silhouette, according to British Vogue.
—
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Many full-size van models also lack the necessary width for a transverse rear bed, tapering in toward the roof to cut width below what's necessary for a builder to install a transverse bed in the over-load floor space.
—New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
Employment peaked at 42,000 before tapering as the line itself grew more efficient.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
British star architect Shaun Killa designed the structure to resemble a luxury yacht pulling out of the harbor—smooth, elongated and tapering at both ends.
—Katharina Kotrba, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Plant the tallest items at the back of the bed, tapering down to the shortest ones at the front of the planting area closest to the walk.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Many full-size van models also lack the necessary width for a transverse rear bed, tapering in toward the roof to cut width below what's necessary for a builder to install a transverse bed in the over-load floor space.
—New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
Employment peaked at 42,000 before tapering as the line itself grew more efficient.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
British star architect Shaun Killa designed the structure to resemble a luxury yacht pulling out of the harbor—smooth, elongated and tapering at both ends.
—Katharina Kotrba, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Plant the tallest items at the back of the bed, tapering down to the shortest ones at the front of the planting area closest to the walk.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tapering
Verb
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Researchers credit the guidance to give all infants the vaccine, issued in 1991, with decreasing rates of acute hepatitis-B infection among young children by 99 percent.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
18 Sep. 2025
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Costs are decreasing for cameras, chips and sensors to help physical workplaces on matters of safety, accountability and efficiency.—
Aman Kidwai,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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From the Luddites smashing looms in 19th-century England to autoworkers walking out over the introduction of robots to the factory floor in the 1980s, resistance has flared before either being crushed or subsiding, giving way to the new economies and social orders the technologies ushered in.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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During the recent measles outbreak centered in Texas, the Pandemic Center’s data contradicted Kennedy’s assertions that the crisis was subsiding, Jennifer Nuzzo, the director of the Pandemic Center, told me.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, diminishing perceptions that a college education is very important have occurred relatively equally among both Republicans and Democrats, suggesting that other factors must also be at play.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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The threat for heavy rain in South Florida is diminishing, however typical scattered thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours are still possible in the area through the weekend.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Economists like Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid and UBS’s Paul Donovan cautioned that while headline data supports easing, the details reveal more mixed pressures that Powell will need to weigh.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
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But when approached strategically, building muscle strength can be one of the most effective tools for easing discomfort and improving everyday function.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Investors eventually demanded their money back, causing Artamonov to return less than $400,000 by paying original investors with money from new investors or by declining to reimburse them at all, the indictment said.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
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Still, any further restrictions on shots by ACIP could have trickle-down effects, further depressing already declining immunization rates for vaccine-preventable diseases and raising the risk of outbreaks.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Crafted in Ireland, the coach features dark brown panels adorned with golden scrollwork and a gilded roof, offering shelter from the light rain falling over Berkshire.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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With the last night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve falling on the same day this year – something that rarely happens – the reverend and rabbi choose to offer a joint service for their congregations.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, cotton is prone to shrinking and fading in the wash.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
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In contrast, states with shrinking industries or out-migration trends have seen hours stagnate or fall.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tapering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapering. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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