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ta·per

taper

 
 
pronunciation:
teI pr
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb, noun
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: tapers, tapering, tapered
definition 1: to narrow, as toward a point.
The jeans taper at the ankles.
synonyms:
narrow
antonyms:
widen
similar words:
condense, constrict, contract, diminish, thin
definition 2: to dwindle or diminish, as to a complete stop.
The conversation tapered into silence.
synonyms:
decrease, diminish, dwindle, fade, wane
antonyms:
swell
similar words:
abate, dissipate, lessen, subside
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to cause to narrow at one end.
synonyms:
narrow, slim
similar words:
contract, reduce, thin
definition 2: to cause to dwindle or gradually come to a stop (often fol. by "off").
She tapered off her contributions to the charity.
synonyms:
abate, diminish, dwindle
antonyms:
increase
similar words:
attenuate, decrease, lessen, reduce, shrink
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a long thin candle.
synonyms:
candle
definition 2: a long coated wick used to light candles or oil lamps.
synonyms:
wick
similar words:
light
definition 3: a gradual decrease in width, thickness, strength, or the like.
synonyms:
constriction, contraction, narrow, shrink
similar words:
decrease, diminution, dip, drop, reduction