taper

verb

ˈtā-pər How to pronounce taper (audio)
Definition of tapernext
as in to decrease
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 taper Like her J’amemme dress, the actress’ Prabal Gurung top, which came in rich shades of blue and red, featured a short front that framed her baby bump, while the back tapered out to the floor, similar to a cape. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 16 Aug. 2026 The ideal location would be a wide area of groundwater flow that tapers into a narrow region. — Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026 In early November, Tufts and Clancy agreed on a plan to taper her off the benzodiazepine, which the psychiatrist said has a risk of dependency. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Chico’s is offering up to 60 percent off tapered, cropped, and pull-on styles, but not for much longer. — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taper
  1. decrease
  2. subside
  3. diminish
  4. ease
  5. shrink
  6. decline
  7. fall
Verb
  • Travel data shows the average group size for trips has decreased since COVID-19 began.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • To continue decreasing the vacancy rate, Center City Partners has focused on older buildings that aren’t as appealing to a return-to-office workforce That focus is on renovations or conversions.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • Though impending rainstorms are likely to make rescue operations more difficult, officials say a previous threat from a lake that had formed on the border between Nepal and Tibet has substantially subsided.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Opinion ​polls gave the king firm backing to stay on for life, however, and the criticism subsided.
    — Terje Solsvik, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of subside
Verb
  • At least one expert said that some workers could have access to oxygen, but others warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing.
    — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Violence diminishes its victims, forcing everyone to play a single thankless role.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Anti-anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Librium, Xanax and Valium, can work quickly to ease extreme worry, fear, social anxiety or panic attacks.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Bidets may also ease discomfort from hemorrhoids, fistulas and anal fissures, and help people with chronic diarrhea or conditions that require frequent wiping.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of ease
Verb
  • Nvidia also said that Amazon Web Services would purchase 2 million of its graphic processors, offering an encouraging sign for investors worried that hyperscaler spending could shrink.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • While doing so has helped millions of individuals access the power of electronics, the shrinking size of transistors is presenting problems at mass manufacturing scales.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • However, entering June, crude prices pulled back significantly, while retail gasoline prices declined at a markedly slower pace.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At home several center-right parties initially declined to join his coalition, illustrating the challenge of uniting the broader Brazilian right behind his candidacy.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of decline
Verb
  • The continent's sweltering summer has meanwhile boosted demand for air conditioning and other energy-hungry appliances at a time when demand for gas, widely used for Europe's heating and cooking needs, naturally falls.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Oscar winner paired a leopard-print Givenchy fall 2026 dress and the fashion house’s modern take on T-strap high heels.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fall

Phrases Containing taper

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taped
taper
tape recording
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Cite this Entry

“Taper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taper. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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