Synonym of greatly diminish

subside wane ebb recede moderate decrease lessen reduce drop fade slacken taper decline remit shrink temper weaken abate contract dwindle ease fall lower pall plummet relent sink slump attenuate drain plunge abbreviate blur close de-escalate extenuate minify retrench shrivel trail let up slacken off cool off drop off settle down tail off taper off trail off become smaller die away die down die out fade out fall away fall off fizzle out peter out phase down ratchet down fade away go downhill make smaller come to an end drain away grow smaller hit the floor go through the floor disappear ease off go down relax grow less flag deteriorate vanish wither melt away depreciate evaporate degenerate nosedive dip soften fail droop downsize slow down descend ease up crash wind down drop away slack off mitigate decay dive wear off end quell deplete alleviate downscale cease tumble go away regress take a nosedive waste away lighten become less dissolve slide dissipate crumble minimize stop terminate minimise decrement slow grow faint calm down rachet down wear away sag get smaller disperse waste nose-dive settle quieten curtail withdraw devaluate collapse die off deflate dent get less slack grow dim run low dim run out slip languish curb check wilt knock down depress go into a tailspin calm trail away dull devalue constrict pass dry up release subdue crater finish vitiate thin halt skid give way retrocede fall short die narrow down wear down become weaker come to nothing clear scale down rebate retrograde come to a halt narrow quiet take a dive desist fizzle restrain loosen lull condense adulterate falter shorten quieten down flop debase give out retire lose edge pass away melt impair become weak thin out relapse fall through cripple totter lose downturn slope assuage decelerate go lapse evanesce make less loose grow weaker slake bate dilute fall back fall steeply fall sharply take a header backslide break down flow back come to a stop be no more retrogress break up get lower level off drop rapidly cave in become lower turn down tone down slash modify cut down tail away minimalize disengage dispel still allay relieve lose strength lose intensity clear up untighten flow away mollify rescind shape elongate modulate peter be forgotten decimate run dry minish grow dampen drop down lag emaciate tire slim wrinkle incline downwards slant down slope down tilt downwards erode gutter make less active take it easy sink into oblivion disappear slowly blow over fall down phase out thin down be gone telescope miniaturise miniaturize come down compress faint impoverish tremble limp retreat close out go downwards unlax coast cool straiten devolve atrophy amputate cut crop clip abridge soft-pedal limit become less intense lose its effect lose its effectiveness sap pare down sink lower compact contain go easy drag cheapen buckle squeeze tighten chill out cool it cut back roll back slack up disintegrate elapse discontinue enfeeble defuse lose spirit determine expire quit conclude constringe capsule capsulize give in cease to be exit become obsolete die away or out die away or down bow out scrimp make narrower pull out return back away drop back become extinct take the bite out take the sting out rarefy disable undermine soothe offset debilitate enervate molder dilapidate moulder be on the way out lose value move away go back fold up decrease in value decline in price get narrower become narrower break off wind up dead-end leave off wink out go dead pack in hit the dirt tip over miscarry cease to exist disappear from the face of the earth back retract depart move back founder draw to a close be precipitated take in lose ground back off move further off scale back scatter water down step down take the heat off damp down abase degrade pale bomb draw away draw back bust be deficient lose significance decrease in importance pale into insignificance denature taint take the edge off go awry go amiss be wanting be insufficient lose lustre alloy become less dense become less numerous grow dull be ruined strike out be lacking become less in number clear out be inadequate be found lacking not come to ripeness

reduce cut decrease lessen lower curtail weaken prune blunt check constrict contract curb downscale downsize limit narrow restrict shrink abate cut back cut down dent deplete erode pare down retrench sap undermine disempower ease knock down de-escalate make weaker trim slash drop minimize moderate minimise dwindle shorten slim down pare temper clip truncate abridge scale down mark down depress taper make cutbacks in lighten attenuate axe dock ax mitigate whittle down abbreviate alleviate bring down impair quell cut back on decrement crop depreciate cut short restrain tone down degrade wind down devalue soften roll back condense compress dilute salami-slice syncopate elide devaluate discount chop lop dial down deflate shave step down take the edge off cheapen rationalize whittle away relax minify make reductions in downgrade inhibit sink make less break rationalise make smaller confine tighten tail off cut down on hold back write down write off round down palliate extenuate synopsize precis ebb concentrate edit cramp couch decline snip slow down undervalue slim ration taper off drop off take down deduct telescope eliminate rein in control debase circumscribe run down blue pencil trim down ease off trim back boil down qualify tighten up put in nutshell put in a nutshell shear phase down keep down phase out ease up on cut off put down discredit spare euphemize humble belittle foreshorten bridle cushion slenderize economize on subdue stifle allay deaden assuage dull abstract summarize turn down devitalize dampen digest mince make fewer damp down mollify tame let up whittle lop off thin slow dip epitomize halt top outline sketch break off waste away reduce greatly retrench on ratchet down demote sum up keep to a minimum keep at a minimum rein back adulterate get rid of do away with summarise epitomise lower in price cut in price extend lace sophisticate put the brakes on get to meat put a restriction on put a limit on give an abstract of give a summary of lower the price of undersell make cheaper put on sale slow up water down invalidate lessen the impact of reduce the impact of give a precis of give an outline of give a digest of give a synopsis of subtract render worthless offer at a giveaway price reduce the price of remove omit delete cause to fall soften the impact of disgrade demerit drive down thin out soften up take off economize make shorter economise get shorter excerpt take up bob scale back choke compact strangle turn up tauten strangulate constringe pinch focus clench tense straiten collapse roll down budget cut trim away tune down tuck astringe cut to the bone make a long story short get smaller wane dry up cast down slacken amortise peter out make narrower amortize become smaller get narrower get thinner draw together narrow down draw in become narrower regulate fix contain bound hamper cap demarcate specify bottle up bind send up cool down inclose hang up keep within limits come down on set limits on shut in put a ceiling on keep under control keep a tight rein on demark clip someone's wings put away repress pin down enclose modify encircle keep within bounds hem in put on ice hold down surround chain delimitate impose limits on prelimit tether constrain delimit define

belittle denigrate depreciate devalue decry demean deprecate disparage derogate malign revile marginalise marginalize undervalue vilify vilipend deride dis discount dismiss diss insult minimise minimize rubbish scorn slate slur trash underrate asperse cheapen vituperate abuse dispraise pan poormouth detract from bad-mouth dump on poor-mouth run down write off scoff at slag off talk down trash-talk cast aspersions on do a hatchet job on have a go at play down pull apart pull to pieces put down sling mud at cry down cut down to size give comeuppance knock off high horse sneer at speak badly of speak ill of tear down kiss off put away lessen reduce trivialize discredit downgrade trivialise knock lower criticize underestimate minify defame misprize criticise make light of degrade understate downplay detract pooh-pooh slam slight hold cheap ridicule roast sell short gloss over slander brush aside mock humiliate de-emphasize sink disgrace deflate weaken underemphasize humble disdain condemn shame drag through the mud smear take down calumniate shrug off mudsling pour scorn on devaluate debase soft-pedal hit out at attack take down a peg censure bash traduce abase soften dishonor opprobriate rap flame decrease smirch dishonour treat lightly chasten mortify rate too low underplay foul make little of do an injustice to undermine not do justice to take to pieces set little store by depress tear into blister take away from contemn rip disesteem moderate mark down do down laugh at prostitute pick holes in mitigate despise shoot down set no store by temper attenuate qualify besmirch extenuate deemphasize libel impugn denounce break stigmatize downcry disregard snub blast spurn reject lambaste scorch stigmatise compromise tone down corrupt give a bad name throw mud at be wrong about pervert brush off deteriorate profane warp debauch vitiate canker deprave bastardize demoralize subvert think little of poor mouth poison laugh off look down on take for granted pooh pooh think too little of take a swipe at demoralise bastardise cast down palliate devalorize simplify subordinate berate blacken misjudge discountenance fault question sneer crush talk trash nose dive criticize unfairly mistrust repudiate demote comment negatively object frown disapprove discommend expostulate clamor against gibe gird twit jeer scoff taunt spread lies about find fault with bag pummel skewer make fun of put hooks in hammer blame restrain miscalculate blacken the name of scandalize sully the reputation of blacken the character of scandalise underprize underprice monster pummelled mute crawl not go for hold in contempt backbite withdraw whitewash miscarry objectify subjugate bring down bring low take dim view of betray rip up bad mouth fail to appreciate set too little store by to denigrate find fault pillory execrate take a dig at tear to pieces give black eye not do justice drag down rail against deplore lay into sell out minimalize be untrue to oneself abandon one's principles beat down inveigh against reprehend reprobate fulminate against excoriate carp at anathematize cavil at speak evil of throw brickbats at cut rate disapprove of animadvert subtract from make nothing of hold back complain snipe at hit rail demonise undersell demonize sully ignore hold forth against come down on tear to shreds tarnish write down stain do a number on take swipe at take away throw stones at taint underrepresent squash squelch disclaim disown discard reproach soil make light besmear injure expose disfavor disfavour harm damage mar bring into disrepute tell someone to get lost ruin the reputation of bring shame upon put in a bad light destroy someone's credibility drag through the mire bring into disfavour damage someone's reputation show in a bad light show up blacken someone's name reflect badly on brutalize spoil dehumanize desensitize cast aside dehumanise bemean desensitise cut down destroy lower the status of bring shame to brutalise give someone the brush-off look right through someone give the cold shoulder to sweep aside cold-shoulder cut to the quick sour grapes shoot full of holes savage castigate crucify assail reprove reprimand disrespect chastise objurgate slash arraign jump on scathe rate give a black eye cut up rebuke defile give a bad press to fling mud at blot flay chide lace into slag maul vituperate against nitpick about cast a slur on lambast dress down bring discredit to muckrake spread scandal about admonish spot sledge take to task animadvert on befoul lampoon give some stick to bring shame on offend give flak to potshot blotch affront belabor pick to pieces haul over the coals upbraid breathe on scold carpet run smear campaign belabour rip up and down tar and feather denunciate bawl out chew out carp give a rocket tear off a strip flout lecture sniff at caricature burlesque treat with contempt jeer at embarrass remonstrate with outrage badmouth poke fun at ream out give someone a bad press rap over the knuckles give someone a roasting misrepresent give someone a rollicking cane ream rag bollock judge bag on satirize find lacking nag at nit-pick cavil tell lies about nitpick over satirise call down give a talking-to wound give someone hell tongue-lash read the riot act tear a strip off give someone a bollocking blacken the reputation of look down one's nose at turn your nose up at conduct a smear campaign against slap curse tear apart harangue skin scout sneeze at rollick tease belie abhor rally travesty trim rag on pass strictures upon sail into run a smear campaign against pick at look down upon hold up to ridicule throw shade jest rake over the coals sully someone's reputation take apart tell off give something a battering lay down the law drag someone's name through the mud brand backstab criticize severely shun hurt back-bite frown on nag nitpick clobber complain about slug zap villainize refute fustigate lash defy miscall heap scorn on accuse laugh slang object to zing jibe at regard with contempt prejudice high-hat snoot blemish baste rebuff keelhaul wig score row jaw get at be rude to fleer swipe dump grin crack leer take exception to be contemptuous about cock a snook at skin alive call names snigger discipline sling mud hate send up give offence to remonstrate take the piss out of incriminate blackguard take the mickey write false reports about give something a bad press pull up spread tales about show contempt for curl your lip at mark wrong let someone have it rail at tick off drag name through mud turn up one's nose slap someone's wrist give someone a mouthful give someone a telling-off give the business give someone what for give someone a dressing-down pitch into give someone some stick give someone an earful give Bronx cheer give someone a row give someone a rating give someone a wigging drag someone's name through the mire quip at rant at rank out turn up one's nose at be critical of be malicious about be spiteful towards be unkind about hoot speak of with disfavour get angry with gossip lie spite gossip about animadvert upon have a pop at harsh disvalue mistreat caluminate voodoo dig cuss jinx condescend lie about persecute oppress deign ride hose ruin hold in disdain cast slur on put zingers on argue with assault verbally snipe slog fluff disagree with blow off cuss out swear at shout at pass judgment moan about grouse about whine about grouch about quibble about carp about pile in weigh into give someone bondi rake drag through mud annoy blacken someone's reputation provoke lesson jawbone jive start on start in look down at put a whammy on review unfavorably criticize strongly bring under fire aggravate take on exprobate slap on the wrist read out ostracise look askance get after pick apart ostracize knock off chill abominate be allergic to make cutting remarks about say contemptuously gibe at be contemptuous of desecrate attaint own bellyache about gripe about whinge about beef about cut to bits call to task point the finger at express disapproval of lay on give the devil knock down pronounce punish proscribe name adjudge frame snicker smile cock a snook upset jump down one's throat snap someone's head off jump on one's case bite someone's head off go for the jugular think wrong be against not support give bad press give a bad name to make someone eat crow cause to lose face lose face put someone in their place take down a peg or two misbid misrespect chaff shock disgust sound off about throw shade at look askance at not believe in be hostile to argue against take issue with jibe torment horrify appal point finger at hang something on blow whistle on thumbs down on pin it on rib banter quiz razz jolly kid lout send up the river lay at one's door remonstrate against express a poor opinion of oppose negate be hostile towards label irritate disoblige treat contemptuously make jokes about raise an sicken nauseate repel revolt disobey fail make sport of flout at poke mullock at pass on displease appall thumb one's nose mark injure the reputation of cast aspersion blacken someone's character tarnish someone's name taint someone's name stain someone's good name accuse falsely sully someone's name soil someone's name blackball cause a few raised eyebrows amongst raise eyebrows amongst cause raised eyebrows dismay cause offence to characterize designate classify class stamp tag curl one's lip cut dead treat disrespectfully hurt somebody's feelings mimic have no use for have contempt for refuse to acknowledge step on one's toes characterise mark out strumpet blaspheme plaster be above be scornful about threap caution imitate recriminate spit on refuse piss over renounce confute avoid piss on spoof do objurate charge blow raspberries at laugh out of court ape copy preach indict consider beneath you turn down cast a slur upon take off consider beneath one give the Bronx cheer to spit in the face of turn back on spit in the eye of give someone a caning send someone away with a flea in their ear go on at put on the mat bring to book take to the woodshed slap down keep after yell at have someone on the carpet blow up light into put on impersonate parody twist sheik mime distort do a takeoff of joke sheikh do an impression of exaggerate defame someone's character scourge prosecute criminate call to account hold at fault lay charges against impeach bring someone to trial try have the law on bring charges against bring a charge against bring a case against prefer charges against inculpate put on trial tax take to court lash into

mute reduce lessen decrease moderate deaden dull weaken blunt check mitigate allay alleviate dampen smother soften stifle suppress ease curb restrain temper damp abate lower quell subdue assuage cushion lighten relieve still attenuate curtail cut depreciate depress mollify tranquillize tranquilize calm cool placate minimise minimize ebb tone down damp down de-escalate take the edge off ease off take the bite out take the sting out wind down soft-pedal make less intense put damper on put a damper on put the lid on soothe palliate quiet dilute appease numb relax help lenify muffle lull control modify quieten quench qualify repress pacify sap debilitate devitalize inhibit overcome benumb retard slow slake compose buffer sweeten enervate restrict tire exhaust contain impair silence enfeeble incapacitate paralyse settle gentle extenuate hold back slacken deplete paralyze comfort limit modulate stop sate prostrate waste extinguish cauterize smooth crush satisfy dwindle absorb etiolate stay unnerve hinder cripple mellow chill out anaesthetize cauterise throw cold water on pour cold water on ameliorate destroy cut down obtund anesthetize put an end to let up on pour oil on halt discourage dim play down ruin desensitize subside handicap squash blanket hush dam stem wane cloud block erode downsize wreck staunch remit squelch quash stanch drain disable dispel torpefy salve stun thin regulate undermine kill cut back stupefy arrest knock out take a load off pad prevent desensitise cut off get rid of freeze make nice settle down cool off wear out rein in dampen down keep in check mask chill degrade revise deter loosen taper diffuse dash address improve satiate shrink contract decrement sicken stamp out disempower lay off take pressure off fill surfeit put a stop to blur calm down rein pipe down fix up take sting out dulcify patch things up wither gruntle indulge fulfil gratify restraint dent drop downscale commute bring to a standstill withstand oppose resist make weaker sap the strength of sap your strength sedate shade sober excuse reduce the force of darken deepen muddy up water down discount wear away roll back peter out wear down make less strict make less formal ease up on hebetate daze stultify narcotize drug insulate buttress bolster seclude guard reduce the effect of knock down lullaby tail off defend against shield against safeguard against fulfill protect against becalm render insensitive dullen fade immobilize indispose deflate rock to sleep take it easy stroke reassure balm quiet down take the edge lay back fall cease put a lid on bridle constrain infrigidate die down freshen ally frost mar fatigue master dismiss dissipate banish govern eliminate spoil stabilize drive away play up to chase away put to rest cool out square drive off emasculate make feeble unhinge knacker make weak shatter lay low make lighter delay lick detain mess up harsh resolve demilitarise save neutralise smooth out rescue recover clear the air stabilise neutralize defuse take the heat demilitarize brighten quieten down put down keep a lid on clamp down on crack down on keep the lid on hold in check get under control nip in the bud slap down snuff out do in immobilise cure counteract reduce weight disburden disencumber empty levitate take remove upraise uplight change facilitate shift put off throw out free pour out jettison eradicate unload make less unburden stunt decelerate impede punctuate succor succour console vary solace liss interrupt bankrupt hold up stall set back obstruct bring an end to bring aid to aid break up make something bearable bring respite to bring aid take load off assist keep back mire hamper lag retardate dispirit put out of order frustrate etherize chloroform KO drown put to sleep injure gas deprive consume lay out dope impoverish interfere with back-water loiter hit the brakes lose speed postpone procrastinate embog slow down choke reef put the brakes on lose steam let down flaps get in the way of bog down keep waiting anchor it overwhelm trouble ail break dishearten demoralize deject subjugate dismay upset shake sadden oppress daunt pauperize humble perturb defeat chagrin bother weary abase distress overpower weigh down demoralise cast a pall over bum out bear down on cast down beat down bring to ruin liquidate bring down wipe out make destitute decimate bleed dry ruinate clean out

languish fade flag weaken decline decay wilt wither fail sink deteriorate droop dwindle sag ebb lag emaciate go rot waste molder moulder sicken faint pine tucker hunger long hanker yearn ail brood despond teeter go downhill waste away grow weak wither away fade away fizzle out go to pieces knock out fag out go into a decline conk out go soft die on vine degenerate wane slump crumble retrograde regress worsen atrophy devolve lessen collapse slide slip disintegrate drop hit the skids go down the toilet depreciate descend get worse break down fall off go to pot fall go down the tubes retrogress spoil degrade disimprove lapse become worse grow worse melt away go to the dogs shrink debilitate evaporate disappear recede decrease die succumb pall impair become debilitated fall apart nosedive go bad depress lower die out dry up fall to pieces be on your last legs go to the pack go to rack and ruin ebb away abate contract shrivel erode slacken backslide taper off peter out dissolve go from bad to worse damage take a turn for the worse make something worse take a nosedive corrode die away weary be neglected become emaciated reach depths pejorate hit rock bottom fall into disrepair go to seed become dilapidated run to seed come apart at the seams become moribund have one foot in the grave be at death's door be on one's deathbed be breathing one's last be giving up the ghost be slipping away be about to die be in extremis be approaching death die off die down become shrunken become enfeebled shrivel up melt grow less wizen mummify lose courage cave in give out bend dangle flop hang bow stoop hang down drape subside settle lop lean tire sling suspend slouch fall down become limp become flaccid stagnate tire out let down wear out vitiate debase perish putrefy dilapidate go backwards wear away lose quality break up be in decline go into decline fall apart at the seams

impair damage harm mar spoil reduce injure undermine vitiate weaken blunt decrease hinder lessen worsen debilitate deteriorate compromise enervate enfeeble blemish bloody break crab cripple deface disable disfigure endamage flaw hurt impede threaten blight cheapen debase destroy devaluate devalue ding disqualify invalidate prejudice queer ruin tarnish total tweak unfit cross up foul up lose strength make useless mess up rough up put the kibosh on sap subvert sabotage erode shake disrupt destabilize eat away wreck wear away corrode destabilise consume chip away at emasculate crush wound foil thwart torpedo interfere with have a bad effect on do harm to eat into use up dim whittle pull the rug out from under undo demolish have a negative effect on undercut minimise minimize detract demean belittle curb limit check chip away jeopardize disturb impoverish ravage annihilate afflict devitalize incapacitate dismantle trash depress corrupt taint infringe encroach on batter shock scorch smash blast shatter inconvenience wither take out jeopardise smash up screw up detract from shake up louse up muck up be detrimental to cause detriment to wreak havoc on crumble put out of commission throw a monkey wrench into put out of action place a limit on eat gnaw abrade disintegrate weather dissolve decay fret nibble devour rot scrape away botch disempower whittle away scour waste bite at grind down eat away at bite wear down dent sandbag wear mine dig demoralise frustrate demoralize soften attenuate challenge tunnel gnaw away at break up waste away drag through the mud hollow out dig out clip one's wings queer the pitch of poke full of holes knock the bottom out of throw a spanner in the works of throw a monkey wrench in the works of mutilate mangle maim deform blot defile sully distort bruise scar vandalize devastate lame paralyse vandalise scratch disfeature upset stain paralyze hamstring pollute poison disgrace scathe infect mangulate besmirch crool smirch lacerate touch shame uglify indispose prostrate cut despoil play havoc with immobilize exhaust wrong unstrengthen immobilise knock out traumatize maul abuse degrade warp contaminate discredit influence gut affect soil scotch scupper discolour discolor hack burn crack wrench dismember dishonour knacker blacken contort dirty dishonor knock brand traumatise hog-tie hamper blow desecrate cut up squash do in hack up do damage to be prejudicial to be disadvantageous to restrict play merry hell with stab put a damper on torpefy be deleterious to lay up inactivate disenable drive a nail into the coffin of throw monkey wrench in be a blot on the landscape kibosh unbrace make unattractive make ugly muzzle shoot down pinion render incapable hogtie hock handicap disarm molest shiver disserve endanger annoy befoul imperil obliterate bend pervert blotch speckle tag bodge cost dilapidate misshape lower depreciate water down disfashion put at risk mayhem massacre gimp castrate truncate make a mess of twist sour color colour butcher mark hospitalize cramp make powerless make unfit spike render powerless cause the loss of cause the sacrifice of result in harm to shrink trouble pull down impact overcome result in damage to lead to the end of strike plunder depredate sack pillage desolate spoliate perturb take the edge off sap the strength of take apart bankrupt occur prevail invalid hospitalise score pinch scrape beat slash overwhelm adulterate expurgate censor bowdlerize impinge stifle impact on prevail over impinge upon amputate cut to pieces tear limb from limb bowdlerise hash up tear apart put on the sick list strike down spread to strike at take hold of attack smear pique aggrieve foul grieve torture pain wax torment distress sting exert influence on have an effect on have an impact on rain on someone's parade stigmatize halt raze stop jam maltreat split tear rust draw blood do mischief to weary tire deactivate freeze bleach fade drain fatigue etiolate cause injury bang up tamper with clamp wheel-clamp defame encumber extenuate eviscerate tie prevent from moving bring to a standstill render inoperative make inoperative prevent from working action render inactive bring to a halt arrest darken slander stigmatise deprave tar make feeble confine to a wheelchair make weak confine to bed render infirm wear out lay low malign cast a slur slur libel blot your copybook give a bad name denigrate disparage censure besmear asperse scandalize muckrake disrespect mortify dishearten scandalise bring shame upon drag through the mire bring discredit to sling mud at fling mud at bring shame on deflate dispirit chagrin deject abash flatten discourage dump psych out

impoverish deplete drain exhaust sap weaken empty bleed enervate reduce deprive suck dry use up wear out expend consume spend squander waste finish milk absorb use burn devour utilize dissipate attenuate slash draw utilise draw down get through go through eat up run through dry up fritter away dig into run down wash up empty out make use of pay out burn through employ frivol away have recourse to take last of bleed dry put to use throw away blow through avail oneself of swallow up run out finish up run up decrease evacuate lessen lower bankrupt play out slim down pare down undermine cut back strain dry guzzle burn up wear down blow void disperse eat dispel gobble squeeze fleece siphon syphon bust break tap erode divert catheterize draw off burn out filter off take up slowly reduce slowly lessen wear away overcome slowly diminish gradually overcome chip away at get rid of free from pump out get last drop

count against backfire counter detract hurt militate against oppose reverse weigh against

lag delay linger dawdle loiter dally trail idle saunter straggle tarry hang back shilly-shally crawl creep decrease diddle dillydally dilly-dally dither drag drop fail fall back fall behind flag lallygag lollygag mope poke drag behind ebb slacken trail behind wane falter hobble inch jelly limp lounge move slowly plod procrastinate retard shuffle slouch slow stagger stay tail tool trudge bring up the rear not keep pace be behind drop back drop behind fall off inch along put off slow up lose strength get no place fast drag your feet pause lag behind hang about amble wait hesitate stall hang around take your time drift hang fire vacillate mark time take one's time wander meander nose snail waste time ramble ooze temporize kill time putter temporise hover halt fritter away fool around creak along hang out stay put hold back drag your heels play for time remain loll loaf bide stray mosey roam toddle rove traik while away time trifle traipse go slowly waver filibuster rest stop walk slowly lodge be slow potter around potter about hang round lose ground not keep up potter round horse around warm a chair sit around be dilatory wait around goof off put off doing something use delaying tactics hang on play a waiting game hold off be indecisive hum and haw stroll be left behind slack follow shirk schlepp along be long be tardy stonewall drag oneself mooch skulk tag along shamble slough dabble lurk potter totter drag along tag along behind slow-walk diddle-daddle pass time buy time let the grass grow under one's feet demur teeter wabble fritter time away poke along draggle boondoggle scruple wobble shlep along scrounge around bum around adjourn defer prolong postpone protract haver swither goldbrick cool sit on one's butt fool with while away trifle with limp along creep along stay back shy away shrink back stay in the background be reluctant to come forward hang heavy wear on advance slowly play games with fool about appear to pass slowly slow down kick the can down the road postpone action defer action let something slide take a raincheck be undecided suspend action go on too long go on and on go at a snail's pace become tedious range dangle droop sag goof around stop over lose time straddle hang down err scramble spread maunder hold the phone stand abide be late be strung out poke around stick dwell settle hang reside await string out keep on perch endure remain behind nest sweat it out put down roots continue outstay squat sit tight bunk hold the fort establish yourself be left stick around stay out stay behind roost establish oneself hold on fluctuate think twice equivocate oscillate hedge gain time pussyfoot around prevaricate blow hot and cold tergiversate obstruct deliberate beat about the bush cease sit on the fence discontinue yo-yo hold your horses take too long be irresolute balk shillyshally get cold feet baulk desist balance be unsure pass the time be uncertain take a breather let up stop briefly take a break hem and haw take ten have a breather call time take five put on hold hold over hold your fire bide your time see-saw refuse avoid rebuff evade resist be evasive be ambivalent palter burn daylight fiddle about piddle fritter away time take one's own sweet time while away the time adopt Fabian tactics be in two minds faff about take time prevent block avoid committing oneself use dilatory tactics kick about kick around hinder distract divert stall for time use Fabian tactics avoid making a decision put on the back burner employ delaying tactics tumble tremble refrain surcease refrain from bobble lurch reel roll quaver sway avoid the issue beat around the bush put something off take no action avoid doing something sojourn change mind break keep from doing something bivouac live inhabit cling interrupt break off stay over make camp stay on reflect pull up sideline shake suspend take a breath look forward lie in wait be patient lie low sit up for hold one's breath stand by wait on kick your heels cool your heels save it sweat it stay up for hang onto your hat cool it hold everything twiddle thumbs wait in the wings alternate come to standstill catch one's breath break it up seesaw pussyfoot stumble stop what you're doing doubt boggle flounder ponder mammer debate weigh be doubtful be hesitant be reluctant be unwilling pull back think about sit on fence

subtract deduct remove minus abstract debit dock take withdraw abate decrease detract discount unadd withhold take away take from take off knock off take out draw back reduce lessen cut back cut allow bate rebate reduce by decrease by roll back write off stop eliminate lower charge lop record slash mark down knock down strike off

run low dwindle become depleted get less become exhausted be short be tight be used up be in short supply

dwarf outshine overshadow cap exceed outclass outdo outstrip shame surpass top transcend trump eclipse extinguish minimise minimize outrival tower above put to shame put in the shade beat upstage excel better be a cut above outvie be head and shoulders above leave standing outdistance be superior to tower over walk away from defeat run rings around run circles around outgun outmatch overtop outperform run rings round be better than leave behind outrun dominate best overtake outplay leave get the better of go one better do better than go one better than outrank trounce outmanoeuvre out-think outpace pass lead outmaneuver tower surmount rise above be one up on outstep outhussle own overwhelm overpower overrun improve upon go beyond thrash win the race hammer obliterate shade preponderate walk over trample over make look pale by comparison rule over throw into the shade have command over leave in the shade overcome outsmart outjockey outfox cream bulldoze cook down lick trash snow bury gain on fake out get ahead of do in draw away from shoot ahead shake off get further ahead of score points off pull a fast one blow out of water conquer vanquish subdue triumph over win against crush prevail over improve on wipe the floor with master clobber dispatch skunk overmatch upend stop take rout outwit knock spots off worst drub get overbear whip overstep stuff get around trim be greater than outflank make mincemeat of blow out of the water override outgo overthrow quash demolish slaughter shellac subjugate crucify triumph bypass blow away beat hollow be more than take to the cleaners do down overshoot paste undo destroy murder outreach break smash outthink kill overpass throw bring someone to their knees hurdle shoot ahead of make a fool of be victorious over walk all over head outcompete humiliate overdo rank outweigh quell tank overhaul be at the front of predominate smother be ahead of wallop widen the gap overreach win go above wax distance marmalize be victorious go by get one over on get one up on knock over stand above be a class above prevail leave in the dust win over gain a victory over be on another level gain the advantage over stand head and shoulders above blow out be master of take precedence steal a march on crown overcount outman rival lose take over be first in outgallop nullify finesse undermine transform knock off unseat slam gain an advantage over have the edge over be superior swamp be more numerous than exceed in quantity cut across catch napping be more than a match for get the upper hand over dismantle pick apart move ahead of scoop be over put someone's nose out of joint give someone a hiding wipe out break down circumvent trick out-distance overtax suppress outnumber have the last laugh on curb weather survive floor devastate be larger than shock oppress stun reduce outlive render outgeneral annihilate flatten break record have advantage endure get over resist knock out render incapable render powerless render helpless get upper hand whomp smoke come out on top of grind down knock your socks off cope with vault over climb crest leap get through negotiate deal with be unstoppable by have it all over have a jump on whup come out on top pound be cleverer than whop spank strike whap undertake make rings round dust bomb go past go faster than get past pull a fast one on pull ahead of put one over on pulverize slap about massacre tromp skin blast steamroller settle pulverise defeat utterly hose give someone a drubbing mop up give someone a pasting snow under put away win a resounding victory over take apart turn inside out pip at the post loom rise mount rear soar spearhead front ascend overlook precede leave in one's wake blaze a trail put in proportion be ahead come first be the forerunner separate oneself trail-blaze be out in front break away from the pack be in front have an advantage be in the lead take the lead get the jump on go out in front put a distance between be at the head of be first overhang reach high look over look down extend above stand high be above hang over

change fluctuate vacillate vary veer deviate differ morph mutate seesaw snap teeter waver better deteriorate reverse turn around divert worsen yo-yo shift oscillate swing alternate alter sway see-saw shilly-shally rise and fall go up and down blow hot and cold wobble dither equivocate ebb and flow waffle hem and haw undulate hesitate hover haver be unsteady be irresolute come and go swither be undecided balance stagger halt scruple dilly-dally shillyshally be indecisive pause hedge hum and haw hang back change mind be unable to decide be unable to make up your mind pussyfoot around sit on the fence chop and change run hot and cold think twice depend go back and forth prevaricate flip-flop pivot switch flicker transform stall tremble dally turn digress displace tergiversate quiver move backward and forward move to and fro move back and forth palter trim get cold feet shudder whiffle waffle deliberate go from one extreme to the other beat around the bush rotate interchange intersperse take turns substitute be staggered be interspersed relieve follow totter vibrate flutter wave act in sequence occur in turn occur in rotation work in sequence follow one another act reciprocally move between fill in for follow in turn take it in turns be unstable falter be doubtful temporize be unsure be uncertain wabble reel fence-straddle rock dillydally whiffle boggle straddle temporise keep changing your mind shake quaver shiver delay quake flap lurch procrastinate wag stumble ripple move dawdle stir agitate tremor judder dodder twitch pulsate convulse jiggle jerk be ambivalent jolt linger roll jounce careen palpitate be in two minds ruffle demur waggle flounder be hesitant twitter joggle bucket flail pitch wiggle heave tarry waddle faff about jar thresh billow wigwag flit thrash waste time blow second-guessing yourself weave fly have doubts hold off drag your heels move up and down teeter-totter wait doubt quail defer flop trifle bat swish waft twirl swirl mammer toddle shamble hobble hold back lag sweep whirl twist flick flitter faff around flow stream pulse shimmy shy away whip loiter jog shake like a leaf hang fire mess about drag your feet play a waiting game wobble about have misgivings doubt yourself trill be on the fence will and will not warble spasm thrill beat quave throb dodge swell surge start jitter drift toss mess around hang about hang around potter be on the horns of a dilemma stot flinch note wave rapidly um and ah shuffle plunge pitchpole list topple dangle walk unsteadily straggle commove succuss flaunt bump churn tremble precariously mark time let the grass grow under one's feet while away time kill time move slowly roll about push and pull move backwards and forwards stir up set in motion put in motion hirple doddle walk haltingly move falteringly be tentative stay back walk with difficulty shrink back stay in the background be reluctant to come forward plod be divided lumber move side to side move from side to side feel uncertain wonder about wave to and fro trudge limp blunder swerve adjourn retard prolong postpone protract think something unlikely be dubious lack conviction be sceptical bumble curl goldbrick cool poke wind titubate bob stay drag harbour suspicions about have hesitations about express suspicions about have reservations about express reservations about entertain doubts about harbour reservations about struggle have suspicions about fluctuate on have doubts about feel uneasy about mumble put off catch the wind stammer sprauchle stutter pussyfoot kick the can down the road put off doing something use delaying tactics postpone action defer action let something slide take a raincheck play for time suspend action be dilatory go around feel giddy stop balk flog break wallow move clumsily sputter blunder about ponder hang debate weigh baulk speak haltingly fumble for words trip over your tongue speak falteringly stumble over your words swing backwards and forwards swing back and forth be reluctant be unwilling pull back think about sit on fence