withering

adjective

with·​er·​ing
ˈwit͟h-riŋ, 
ˈwi-t͟hə- How to pronounce withering (audio)
Synonyms of witheringnext
: acting or serving to cut down or destroy : devastating
a withering fire from the enemy
a withering rebuke
witheringly
ˈwit͟h-riŋ-lē, 
ˈwi-t͟hə- How to pronounce withering (audio)
adverb

Examples of withering in a Sentence

The book has been the subject of withering criticism. She gave me a withering look.
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.
Yes, the president has made withering criticisms of the network, but that's true of all networks. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Feb. 2026 His assessment of SpaceX’s core compute business was equally withering. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 June 2026 In recent years, the agency has faced withering criticism locally for mismanagement and lack of oversight of its programs and funds. — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 Depending on your perspective, Tesla appears to be either in a holding pattern or slight decline, with slowing sales growth and withering fundamentals. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for withering

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of withering was in 1579

Rhymes for withering

See All Rhymes for withering

Browse Nearby Words

witherer
withering
witherite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Withering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withering. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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