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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Recent Examples of shrivel
Now, the drama arrives onstage as the sources of funding have shriveled up further, and the philanthropoids running these institutions have to dance even harder for their suppers.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 June 2025
That doesn’t leave a whole lot of time to shrivel up over the onslaught of hate comments the 33-year-old actor has received over her role as Bronte in the final season of You, which dropped on Netflix on April 24.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 May 2025
The financial and consulting sector mushroomed while manufacturing employment shriveled.
—David Brooks, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
If it is infected later, those plants produce diseased kernels that are shriveled and wilted.
—Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrivel
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 June 2025
That doesn’t leave a whole lot of time to shrivel up over the onslaught of hate comments the 33-year-old actor has received over her role as Bronte in the final season of You, which dropped on Netflix on April 24.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 May 2025
The financial and consulting sector mushroomed while manufacturing employment shriveled.
—David Brooks, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
If it is infected later, those plants produce diseased kernels that are shriveled and wilted.
—Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrivel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrivel
Verb
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That wet phase of Martian history was billions of years ago, however, and all that water has since evaporated away into space or seeped deep underground.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
10 July 2025
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While some of yesterday’s deals have evaporated or sold out, Wednesday is bringing a fresh slate of finds.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
9 July 2025
Verb
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The answer is to stop dating men who drain your brilliance, and to start dating as the woman who chooses herself first.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Several of Yazan’s four older siblings also looked thin and drained.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The latest guidance from weather forecast models showcases a subtropical high pressure system nudging into Texas from the Gulf of Mexico, which will lead to a drying trend across South and Central Texas from Wednesday through Friday.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
14 July 2025
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Available in 10 vibrant and neutral colors, including the actress’s bright blue shade, this shirt is made to be ready-to-wear immediately after drying.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Overall, 83 percent of parents said that their households are in similar or worse financial situation than last year and more than half of those surveyed anticipate the economy to continue to wither within the next six months.—
Kanika Talwar,
Footwear News,
10 July 2025
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Joint projects that Europe has already funded may wither.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Potassium deficiency causes yellowing and scorching along leaf edges, weak stems, and interveinal chlorosis, a yellowing between the leaf veins.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 July 2025
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Take it from someone who easily melts in the scorching heat and humidity — linen clothing is your best option for staying cool all summer.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
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The episode ended with a deep-fake public service announcement that showed Trump walking through the desert, taking off his clothes and collapsing nude in the sand.—
Christine Ricciardi,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
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Burrell, 55, was found collapsed on her shower floor in her Brooklyn apartment at about 1 a.m. on June 17.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Drooping leaves and stems, wilting, and dry soil are signs your plant needs moisture.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
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As plants lose their ability to take up nutrients and water, their leaves may wilt.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 July 2025
Verb
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The celestial trio will remain close to each other throughout the night, with Saturn and Neptune eventually fading from sight in the southern sky when the sun rises on July 16.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
15 July 2025
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The brand recommends avoiding dabbing or blotting after applying the spray, as this can cause the fragrance to break down and fade.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrivel. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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