as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor
older people, especially, were languishing during the prolonged heat wave
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Recent Examples of languish
The book languished for several years because the government censor said anyone who read it would never volunteer to fight.
—
New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
His appeals were repeatedly denied, and his case languished until the Pennsylvania Innocence Project joined his defense team.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
Since then, oil prices have languished.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
But Ohad languished as a prisoner of Hamas for 491 days — much of that time spent underground in Hamas’ vast tunnel system.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for languish
New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
His appeals were repeatedly denied, and his case languished until the Pennsylvania Innocence Project joined his defense team.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
Since then, oil prices have languished.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
But Ohad languished as a prisoner of Hamas for 491 days — much of that time spent underground in Hamas’ vast tunnel system.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for languish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languish
Verb
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Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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The Trail Blazers faded in the fourth quarter en route to a 118-114 loss to the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Losing him for the entire World Series would weaken their already-thin bullpen, and force Roberts to get creative in high-leverage situations after his starting pitcher has been removed.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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After accounting for lifestyle variables like exercise, the effects weakened a bit as, for example, more active people tend to spend more time outdoors.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Since posting, Watt’s video has gone viral, even catching the attention of the Live Like Maddie Foundation, which thanked her for capturing the magic and shared her clip to help promote next year’s event.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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When the candle burns out, upcycle the elegant blue jar into a seashell or trinket holder to keep the beachy vibes going.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The structures were sagging under the weight of so many books.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
20 Oct. 2025
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The dilapidated wooden trim and sagging porticos were spruced up a few years ago after preservationists complained to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, but the upstairs windows reveal glimpses of peeling paint, crumbling plaster, and collapsing ceilings inside.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, said in a blog post on Wednesday that the currency intervention has failed and predicted a 15%-30% plunge for the peso is highly likely if voters reject Milei again.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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Congress failed to pass a budget or temporary funding measure before the federal fiscal year ended on October 1, forcing many federal agencies to cease all non-mandatory operations.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even with Texas’ gerrymandering, historical precedent and generic ballot polling suggests Democrats are already favored to take the House in 2026, without having to sink to Texas’ level.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
26 Oct. 2025
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Battling driving snow, 100 mph winds and waves as high as 50 feet, the Fitz split in two and sank just short of Whitefish Bay, taking down with it all 29 men on board.—
Kevin Duchschere,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But after withering on the Houston bench for two years in an overcrowded forward rotation, he’s primed for a leap in Year 3.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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This week’s chilly temperatures may have Hoosiers shivering but garden plants may be withering.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Languish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languish. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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