SHRIVEL Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

shrivel

verb

Definition of shrivel

as in to evaporate

to become small and wrinkly usually as a result of dehydration Without irrigation, these plants would shrivel (up) and die.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of shrivel As the disease progresses, the lesions grow together on a single leaf, and the entire leaf turns brown, shrivels, and dies. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2026 Even so, few of us guessed just how tenuous Starmer’s position would prove or how quickly his authority would shrivel. — Geoffrey Wheatcroft, The New York Review of Books, 20 May 2026 For every two flashes of brilliance there’s another track that just sounds like an unfinished instrumental, or a new cut that shrivels at the feet of the old ones. — Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 21 May 2026 The human heart shrivels away in space, but researchers have found that mini-hearts grown from human stem cells sprout in space significantly faster than in labs on Earth. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrivel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrivel

Verb

Fear over airstrikes on Iran, which pervaded many conversations with locals during the war, has evaporated.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Most of the hope for the Warriors to make some kind of franchise-altering move evaporated in that moment.

— Nick Friedell, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of evaporate

Verb

Conwell drained a three on his first shot but then missed six in a row, before hitting another three late in the third quarter.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
The promotion dropped on Monday, June 29 and almost immediately, the original $150,000 budget allocated to the promotion was drained —covering some 25,000 pulls.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of drain

Verb

Before choosing a whitening method, check the care label for guidance on water temperature, safe cleaning agents, and recommended drying methods.

— Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Keep a handful near your washing machine or drying rack for blouses, dresses, workout wear, or delicate pieces that should skip the dryer.

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026

Definition of dry

Verb

While terracotta pots and baskets lined with coconut coir have their uses, these types of containers dry out much faster and will need careful management to ensure plants don't wither away.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
The truth was that all of it was, and is, simply withering away.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of wither

Verb

Overtourism In Europe Is Changing Neighborhoods Despite searing heat, scorching wildfires and overcrowding, visitors keep on coming to Europe, with the biggest burden falling on southern Europe to accommodate them.

— Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
So far this summer, Greece has been spared the heatwaves that have scorched much of western Europe in recent weeks.

— Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of scorch

Verb

The camaraderie was evident on the ground here in La Guaira, the coastal city where quake damage was most severe, collapsing dozens of buildings.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
The dogs, specially trained to detect human scent, have spent days searching for people trapped beneath the rubble of nearly 200 buildings that collapsed following the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of collapse

Verb

Markets had become comfortable with the idea that the conflict would gradually fade into the background but recent developments suggest that assumption may have been premature.

— Hugh Leask,Chloe Taylor,Lee Ying Shan,Yun Li, CNBC, 7 July 2026
As the dance went on, more voices joined in and the music gradually faded, eventually disappearing.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of fade

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shrived

shrivel

shriveled

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“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrivel. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of shrivel

verb

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