as in fading
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1
1
as in deteriorating
to become worse or of less value
his fortunes have steadily sunk since the breakup of his business
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2
as in plunging
to go to a lower level especially abruptly
I had just bought a bundle of shares of the stock when its price sank like a rock
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3
as in stifling
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
sinks his pride and makes the first step towards a reconciliation
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4
as in vanishing
to cease to be visible
that evening we sat on the beach, dreamily watching the sun sink beneath the horizon
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5
as in reducing
to diminish the price or value of
the slightest nick will sink the price of a piece of Tiffany glass
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6
as in humiliating
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
the revelation that he has been embezzling for years definitely sinks him in my opinion
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7
as in falling
to lead or extend downward
the road sinks abruptly after that curve
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8
as in weakening
to lose bodily strength or vigor
the old woman only sunk further after she was moved to the nursing home
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sinking
Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
Rescuers found the first victim, the 12-year-old Spanish girl, three days later, floating near the northern waters of Serai island, fewer than a mile from the site of the sinking.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
More than a century after its sinking, is there really more to be said about the Titanic?
—Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
Instead, bathymetric analysis suggested the sinking occurred in a local depression with a depth exceeding 100 meters.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025
Uncovering the boat’s past Before its sinking, the Hjortspring boat was nearly 20 meters (about 66 feet) long and could hold up to 24 men.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
Heavier objects generally compress more ground underneath, so the scale of new construction is the leading cause in the surprise sinking.
—Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025
Susan Page, USA Today, 12 Jan. 2026
Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson was on track to score 30-plus points for a second straight game after sinking a 3-pointer to beat the first-half buzzer in Saturday’s KU-West Virginia contest at Hope Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 11 Jan. 2026
Conroy delivered a victory over Crespi early in the season by calmly sinking a shot in the final seconds.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Mark plants in the snow throw zone by sinking tall stakes into the ground near the plants in the fall.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
With less access to scholarships and aid, some students may elect to choose a different path of study, potentially sinking enrollment below the quotas set by the law enacted last year.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 9 Jan. 2026
Denver was forecasted for a high temperature of 34 degrees Friday before sinking into the teens overnight.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Shortly after that, the Bulls’ mascot reclaimed his act, impressing Miami guard Tyler Herro by sinking one from half court.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Martin continued his hot shooting, sinking 8 of 11 shots, including 6 of 7 from beyond the arc, en route to a game-high 22 points as the host Wildcats won 67-37 in Naperville.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
Land subsidence is the sinking or collapsing of surface land due to the removal of things such as underground water, oil or gas.
—Verb
Despite robust growth and a record-setting stock market, confidence in the economy has also been sinking.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for sinking
Adjective
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The film is an adaptation of the ghost novel What Happens At Night, which follows a married couple that travels to Europe to adopt a baby, staying in a cavernous, fading European hotel filled with eccentric characters.—
Noun
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Any major foundering in New Mexico could have long-lasting consequences.—
Noun
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Beck, the Miami quarterback, played at Georgia last season, but an injury in the SEC title game ended his season and sent his draft stock plummeting.—
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Beck, the Miami quarterback, played at Georgia last season, but an injury in the SEC title game ended his season and sent his draft stock plummeting.—
Verb
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For now, all that can be said for certain, judging by the latest implosion in his current employers West Ham’s fast-deteriorating season, is that nobody has benefited from his falling-out with Edu and the sequence of events that brought about Nuno’s exit from the City Ground.—
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Iran has been racked by protests over the past several days around deteriorating economic conditions in the country, made worse by a growing water crisis and severe sanctions against Tehran.—
Verb
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Jenner, 28, meanwhile, wore a black chainmail Versace gown with a plunging neckline and lace insets along the sides.—
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The Housemaid star showed off her tan lines in an ultra-plunging asymmetrical minidress with a corset bodice.—
Verb
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Moore’s task against Indiana’s stifling defense would have been daunting even with all his weapons.—
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The immense costs associated with the program have only worsened the economic situation, leading to a more stifling environment.—
Verb
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Arredondo allegedly stabbed Paulos 30 times before fleeing the scene and then vanishing altogether, police said.—
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Before vanishing from the historical record, Armijo submitted a confoundingly short report to the New Mexico governor.—
Verb
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
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Permeable pavers allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing flood risk, while offering an upscale look.—
Cite this Entry
“Sinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinking. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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