1
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
his fortunes have steadily sunk since the breakup of his business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to plunge
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
sinks his pride and makes the first step towards a reconciliation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to disappear
to cease to be visible
that evening we sat on the beach, dreamily watching the sun sink beneath the horizon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to reduce
to diminish the price or value of
the slightest nick will sink the price of a piece of Tiffany glass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to humiliate
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to fall
to lead or extend downward
the road sinks abruptly after that curve
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor
the old woman only sunk further after she was moved to the nursing home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in dump
a place of great vice and corruption
was able to rise above the sink that was his birthplace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sink
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
The Golden State forward started going at it with Charles Barkley as the Round Mound of Rebound poked fun at the sinking ship that is the Warriors dynasty.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
They're comprised of multiple layers of foam, ideal for those who like that sinking-in feeling.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Global regions of drought and heavy rainfall will shift as regions of strong rising and sinking air develop.
—Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sink
Verb
On Saturdays, when the farmers market is in full swing just across the street, diners sink into velvet cushions amid planters filled with marigolds and butterflies.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
The Golden State forward started going at it with Charles Barkley as the Round Mound of Rebound poked fun at the sinking ship that is the Warriors dynasty.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
They're comprised of multiple layers of foam, ideal for those who like that sinking-in feeling.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Global regions of drought and heavy rainfall will shift as regions of strong rising and sinking air develop.
—Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sink
Verb
-
The debate followed a Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association forum in which Bass and Raman previewed several themes that resurfaced Wednesday, including homelessness policy, LAPD staffing, housing density and frustration over deteriorating city services.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
7 May 2026
-
Despite the nonprofit spending $925,000 on ice rental during the 2025-26 season, conditions at the rink deteriorated under Black Bear, said Michalak, who briefly worked at the rink after Black Bear bought it.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Both events promise unforgettable views of the sun's corona, plunging daytime into an eerie twilight.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
-
Inventories in independent storage at the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub have plunged a third since the war started to a six-year low, according to Insights Global, which gets data from terminal operators.—
Grant Smith,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Wednesday was the second time in as many starts that Eovaldi stifled the Yankees.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
7 May 2026
-
Over the past several postseasons, more physicality has been allowed, which has stifled some offenses.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Millions of jobs — in the end, maybe most jobs — could radically change, and many will disappear entirely.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
Whatever baggage attaches to Ben Lerner and his novels disappears, and what is left is the experience, for me, a powerful, even indelible experience.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Earlier that year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a sweeping climate change bill with an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and to achieve economy-wide net-zero levels by 2050.—
Krisztian Elcsics,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
-
Likewise, in building communities, there must be a priority on preserving green spaces, creating walkable neighborhoods to reduce traffic and car emissions, intentionally designating areas for wildlife habitats, and prioritizing quality of life through parks, trails, and conservation areas.—
Sammy Duda,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Those who don’t get the job leave diminished, sometimes humiliated, and the institution absorbs the damage quietly for years.—
Paul Hardart,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
-
Blue is officially fired for injecting a patient with an unapproved drug, and in a devastating twist, he is humiliated by and forced to give his badge back to Richard in front of Catherine (Debbie Allen).—
Max Gao,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Huntington Beach fell behind early in the second set but continued to keep the set close before Fruerbringer’s kill gave the Mustangs a 16-11 lead.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
After a jump ball, Miles chased down the ball at midcourt, started to drive and passed to Hof, whose layup at the buzzer did not fall.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The practice didn’t fade with the modern age; women across generations have kept it alive.—
Boutheina Ben Salem,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
-
After the rogue’s gallery is introduced early on, nearly everyone except for Tim, Elliot, and Rebecca fades into the background, although delightfully, Emma Thompson nails her brief comedic role as a brusque solicitor handling George’s last will and testament.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sink. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
