as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
at this time of the year, light begins to taper off a little earlier each day
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Recent Examples of taper off
The sharp tanginess of the vinegar tapers off when cooked, lending subtle brightness to dishes.
—
Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
The analysis showed bacterial diversity recovered the fastest in the first two years after people took antibiotics; the rate of recovery tapered off after that point.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
The storm will make travel in the foothills and mountains difficult on Friday before tapering off Friday night.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Iran’s missile-and-drone volleys are tapering off somewhat as launchers are destroyed and inventories expended, but Shaheds are so simple that Iran will likely be able to keep manufacturing and firing them in small numbers nearly indefinitely.
—Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for taper off
Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
The analysis showed bacterial diversity recovered the fastest in the first two years after people took antibiotics; the rate of recovery tapered off after that point.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
The storm will make travel in the foothills and mountains difficult on Friday before tapering off Friday night.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Iran’s missile-and-drone volleys are tapering off somewhat as launchers are destroyed and inventories expended, but Shaheds are so simple that Iran will likely be able to keep manufacturing and firing them in small numbers nearly indefinitely.
—Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for taper off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taper off
Verb
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Declining spring precipitation and rising temperatures have caused the Colorado’s flow to decrease by nearly 20 percent over the past quarter century.—
Mira Rojanasakul,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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After the 15th Street bike lanes were constructed, bicycle injury crashes decreased by 91 percent, according to the District Department of Transportation.—
Liam Scott,
Washington Post,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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How diminished will their opportunities for success be in the real world?—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
25 Mar. 2026
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Lightning is diminishing over shipping lanes as a result of the use of cleaner fuel.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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My awe had barely subsided when, two minutes later, James got the ball, raced just past the free-throw line, and took flight.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
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And that dispute has not subsided.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Throughout the years-long investigation, Cherfilus-McCormick declined interview requests from the committee and provided little to no defense against the committee’s allegations.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
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Some declined to provide their full names, citing safety concerns.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Virtually nothing was left of the structure, including almost all traces of the Sun Room, whose floor had partially collapsed and fallen away to leave a gaping hole where tourists had once stood in front of the three windows.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
16 Mar. 2026
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Old differences fell away, and the two got along well.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By late Sunday night into Monday midday, a strong cold front clears the region, ending the storms and bringing gusty winds with falling temperatures through the day.—
Andrew Kozak,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
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Outside of Wall Street, stock indexes fell sharply in Europe following their wipeouts on Thursday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Lines for films eased and the number of brand activations thinned, but celebrities were still circulating — Leslie Mann and Maude Apatow grabbed Terry Black’s on Wednesday.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
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How to help ease allergy symptoms Check pollen counts.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taper off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taper%20off. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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