Meaning & use

wane

verb·Academic

To gradually decrease in size, strength, or intensity, especially after reaching a peak.

See it in a sentence

Public interest in the scandal began to wane once a bigger story broke.

The moon will wane over the next two weeks until it disappears completely.

A note on using this word

Wane is often paired with its opposite, wax, especially when describing the moon's cycle, and figuratively for any rising and falling influence.

Words with a similar meaning

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