Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun withering

1 sense of withering

Sense 1
atrophy, withering -- (any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use))
       => weakening -- (becoming weaker)

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb wither

2 senses of wither

Sense 1
shrivel, shrivel up, shrink, wither -- (wither, as with a loss of moisture; "The fruit dried and shriveled")
       => decrease, diminish, lessen, fall -- (decrease in size, extent, or range; "The amount of homework decreased towards the end of the semester"; "The cabin pressure fell dramatically"; "her weight fell to under a hundred pounds"; "his voice fell to a whisper")

Sense 2
fade, wither -- (lose freshness, vigor, or vitality; "Her bloom was fading")
       => disappear, vanish, go away -- (get lost, as without warning or explanation; "He disappeared without a trace")

Antonyms of adj withering

2 senses of withering

Sense 1
annihilative, annihilating, devastating, withering -- (wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction; "possessing annihilative power"; "a devastating hurricane"; "the guns opened a withering fire")

INDIRECT (VIA destructive) -> constructive -- (constructing or tending to construct or improve or promote development; "constructive criticism"; "a constructive attitude"; "a constructive philosophy"; "constructive permission")

Sense 2
annihilating, devastating, withering -- (making light of; "afire with annihilating invective"; "a devastating portrait of human folly"; "to compliments inflated I've a withering reply"- W.S.Gilbert)

INDIRECT (VIA disrespectful) -> respectful -- (full of or exhibiting respect; "respectful behavior"; "a respectful glance")

Similarity of adj withering

2 senses of withering

Sense 1
annihilative, annihilating, devastating, withering -- (wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction; "possessing annihilative power"; "a devastating hurricane"; "the guns opened a withering fire")
       => destructive (vs. constructive) -- (causing destruction or much damage; "a policy that is destructive to the economy"; "destructive criticism")

Sense 2
annihilating, devastating, withering -- (making light of; "afire with annihilating invective"; "a devastating portrait of human folly"; "to compliments inflated I've a withering reply"- W.S.Gilbert)
       => disrespectful (vs. respectful) -- (exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous; "remarks disrespectful of the law"; "disrespectful in the presence of his parents"; "disrespectful toward his teacher")