taper off

verb

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

Synonyms of taper off

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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.
The conditions were wet and and slippery at first, but the rain appears to have tapered off now. — Nbc News, NBC news, 28 June 2026 For most movies, the opening weekend is the most lucrative, with ticket sales tapering off from there. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 31 May 2026 In 2018, RepoNut content tapered off. — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 For the most part, interest in their love story has tapered off over time, except for the occasional call from a reporter around Valentine’s Day. — Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 4 June 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

Rhymes for taper off

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Browse Nearby Words

taperness
taper off
taper pin
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Cite this Entry

“Taper off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taper%20off. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

taper off

verb
: to stop or lessen gradually

More from Merriam-Webster on taper off

Nglish: Translation of taper off for Spanish Speakers

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