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Definition of withering

withering

/ˈwɪð.ər.ɪŋ/
with · er · ing
Adverb:witheringly
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withering Lexical Profile

withering Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Intended to make someone feel mortified, humiliated, or deeply scorned; severely critical.

Example

"The film critic delivered a withering review of the director's latest movie."

2

Intense, overwhelming, or exhausting in force or degree (especially of heat or a physical barrage).

Example

"The marathon runners struggled to maintain their pace in the withering midday heat."

3

Becoming dry, shriveled, and decaying; losing vitality or freshness.

Example

"She trimmed the withering leaves from the rosebush before watering the garden."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for withering

• Nearby Words

withdrawn
withdrawnness
wither
withering
witheringly
withers
withhold

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English verb 'witheren', a variant of 'wederen', meaning to expose to the weather and thus cause to decay or shrivel.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Withering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/withering
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