taper off

verb

tapered off; tapering off; tapers off
Synonyms of taper offnext
: taper
housing starts tapered off in the fall

Examples of taper off in a Sentence

at this time of the year, light begins to taper off a little earlier each day
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rain is expected to taper off after Tuesday morning's commute in Minnesota. — Katie Steiner, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 The new policy would halt surgeries, taper off hormones and end social accommodations like makeup and wigs. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 The precipitation is expected to taper off Thursday evening, according to the weather service. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 How long tapering off testosterone takes Recovery is not uniform. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taper off

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taper off was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Taper off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taper%20off. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

taper off

verb
: to stop or lessen gradually
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