wither
verb (used without object)
to shrivel; fade; decay.
was withering
-
past progressiveof wither.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The judge’s opinion of that argument was withering.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2024
The state Supreme Court declined to comment on the renewed prosecution, but it was withering in its 9-0 ruling last year on how Grant County police and prosecutors handled the case the first time around.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 2, 2023
Harold Wilson ventured the opinion that it could still be "very close" but Butler's rejoinder was withering.
From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2022
Local officials have pleaded for assistance from the federal government to handle the crisis, and Mr. Abbott was withering in his criticism.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 17, 2021
He was withering in his response: Aristotle says that a hundred-pound ball falling from a height of one hundred cubits hits the ground before a one-pound ball has fallen one cubit.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
