wane

/weɪn/

/weɪn/

Other forms: waning; waned; wanes

Things that wane simply grow smaller. "My initial enthusiasm for helping waned when I saw the massive pile of envelopes that needed sealing."

Things that wax and wane, like the moon, grow larger and smaller. Wax is the opposite of wane. A fad, or a fashion, or even a disease, that is on its way out the door is "on the wane." If your influence over your little brother wanes, he’ll probably stop copying you. Anything that wanes, like the moon, influence, or a feeling, has started to go away.

Definitions of wane

1. noun

   a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
   synonyms: ebb, ebbing

   type of:

   decline, diminution

   change toward something smaller or lower
2. verb

   grow smaller
   “Interest in the project waned”

   synonyms: decline, go down

   types:

   dip

   go down momentarily

   wear on

   pass slowly (of time)

   drop

   go down in value

   fall off, sink, slump

   fall heavily or suddenly; decline markedly

   tumble

   fall suddenly and sharply

   type of:

   decrease, diminish, fall, lessen

   decrease in size, extent, or range
3. verb

   become smaller
   “Interest in his novels waned”

   antonyms:

   wax

   go up or advance

   type of:

   decrease, diminish, fall, lessen

   decrease in size, extent, or range
4. verb

   decrease in phase
   “the moon is waning”

   antonyms:

   wax

   increase in phase

   type of:

   decrease, diminish, fall, lessen

   decrease in size, extent, or range