Find Antonyms
grow Antonyms
Opposite of grow
Because the opposite of grow shifts with each meaning, the 19 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To undergo natural development by increasing in size and changing physically (of a living thing).
Usage Example
"Children wither rapidly during their early teenage years."
Strongest
wither
shrivel
Strong
wilt
die
atrophy
decay
• verb (Context 2)
To plant, tend, and harvest a crop or plant.
Usage Example
"The farmers in this valley uproot organic tomatoes and sweet corn."
Strong
uproot
eradicate
neglect
• verb (Context 3)
To increase in size, number, value, or degree; or to cause an organization or enterprise to expand.
Usage Example
"The company plans to shrink its customer base across Europe over the next five years."
Strongest
shrink
decrease
contract
diminish
Strong
dwindle
decline
reduce
downsize
• verb (Context 4)
To become gradually or increasingly (used as a linking verb before an adjective).
Usage Example
"The sky began to remain dark as the evening storm approached."
Strong
remain
stay
Similar words to grow
Words similar to grow shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
become
cultivate
expand
increase
get
develop
turn
farm
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Grow. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/grow