tails off
Slowly peters out
Tails off describes a gradual diminishing or fading, like something trailing away to nothing.
Interest, energy, or activity that tails off doesn't stop abruptly but slowly peters out: Attendance tailed off after the first few weeks.
The image is of something narrowing to a point, like an animal's tail.
Becomes smaller or weaker
- lessensMakes smaller in degree
- decreasesGrows smaller in amount
- subsidesDiminishes in intensity
- ebbsDeclines or recedes
wanes · drops · dips · falls · reduces · slackens · weakens · slumps
Grows gradually weaker
- peters outGradually diminishes to nothing
- dies outCompletely disappears over time
- dissipatesGradually breaks up, vanishes
- evaporatesChanges from liquid to gas
melts away · vanishes · disappears · dies down · dwindles · withers · expires · dissolves
Constricted water passage
- tapersNarrows toward an end
- thinsReduces density or concentration
- slimsReduces in girth
- streamlinesMakes more efficient
attenuates · pinches · constricts · contracts · squeezes · slenderizes · whittles · sharpens
diminishes
Becomes smaller or weaker
ebbs · wanes · drops · dips · falls · reduces · slackens · weakens · slumps · sags
fades
Grows gradually weaker
- peters outGradually diminishes to nothing
- dies outCompletely disappears over time
- dissipatesGradually breaks up, vanishes
evaporates · melts away · vanishes · disappears · dies down · dwindles · withers · expires · dissolves · runs out
narrows
Constricted water passage
streamlines · attenuates · pinches · constricts · contracts · squeezes · slenderizes · whittles · sharpens · elongates
tails offbuilds up
Accumulates gradually
ramps up · picks up · intensifies · escalates · accelerates
tails offcuts off
Severs or interrupts
breaks off · halts · ceases · terminates · snaps off