to decrease gradually in size, amount, intensity, or degree, to approach the end of a period of time

on the wane, wax and wane, the waning days/years/months

Formal and Informal Expressions of wane

In different contexts, you can replace 'wane' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'decrease, diminish' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'die down, fizzle out' is a commonplace synonym.

wane: Explore its Definition & Usage

wane Definition

1to decrease gradually in size, amount, intensity, or degree
2to approach the end of a period of time

Using wane: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wane" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The moon was waning.
Example
His enthusiasm for the project is waning.
Example
The company's profits have been waning for the past year.
Example
Her influence began to wane after she retired.

wane Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wane

Antonyms for wane

Phrases with wane

on the wane
in the process of decreasing or becoming weaker
Example
His popularity is on the wane.
wax and wane
to increase and decrease in a regular pattern
Example
The tides wax and wane twice a day.
the waning days/years/months
the final days/years/months of a period of time
Example
In the waning days of his presidency, he made some controversial decisions.

Origins of wane

from Old English 'wanian', meaning 'to lessen'

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Summary: wane in Brief

'Wane' [weɪn] means to gradually decrease in size, amount, intensity, or degree, or to approach the end of a period of time. It is often used to describe the moon's phases or a decline in popularity, as in 'His enthusiasm for the project is waning.' 'Wane' can also be used in phrases like 'on the wane,' which means in the process of decreasing, and 'the waning days/years/months,' which refers to the final period of a time frame.