Waxing vs. Waning — What’s the Difference? (2025)

Waxing

Increasing in size or magnitude.

The waxing popularity of the show was evident from its ratings.

Waning

Moving towards an end.

The waning hours of the event were the most memorable.

Waxing

Referring to the moon's phase when its visible surface enlarges.

The waxing crescent moon was beautifully visible just after sunset.

Waning

Referring to the moon's phase when its visible surface reduces.

The waning gibbous moon was still quite bright in the night sky.

Waxing

Strengthening or intensifying.

Her waxing determination was evident in her efforts.

Waning

Declining in influence or popularity.

The waning days of summer always brought a touch of melancholy.

Waxing

Growing or expanding in scope.

His waxing influence in the community was undeniable.

Waning

Fading or diminishing over time.

The old tradition was waning, with few people practicing it now.

Waxing

Applying a substance to give shine or protection.

She spent the afternoon waxing her car to a perfect shine.

Waning

Decreasing in strength or intensity.

His waning interest in the project became apparent.

Waxing

Waxing is the process of hair removal from the root by using a covering of a sticky substance, such as wax, to adhere to body hair, and then removing this covering and pulling out the hair from the follicle. New hair will not grow back in the previously waxed area for four to six weeks, although some people will start to see regrowth in only a week due to some of their hair being on a different human hair growth cycle.

Waning

To decrease gradually in size, number, strength, or intensity

Interest in the subject waned.

Waxing

Any of various natural, oily or greasy heat-sensitive substances, consisting of hydrocarbons or esters of fatty acids that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar organic solvents.

Waning

To show a progressively smaller illuminated area, as the moon does in passing from full to new.

Waning

To approach an end

The day began to wane.

Waxing

Earwax.

Waning

The act or process of gradually declining or diminishing.

Waxing

A solid plastic or pliable liquid substance, such as ozocerite or paraffin, originating from petroleum and found in rock layers and used in paper coating, as insulation, in crayons, and often in medicinal preparations.

Waning

A time or phase of gradual decrease.

Waxing

A preparation containing wax used for polishing floors and other surfaces.

Waning

The period of the decrease of the moon's illuminated visible surface.

Waxing

A resinous mixture used by shoemakers to rub on thread.

Waning

A defective edge of a board caused by remaining bark or a beveled end.

Waxing

A cosmetic procedure in which facial or body hair is removed by peeling away a layer of wax that has been allowed to harden.

Waning

Present participle of wane

Waxing

Made of wax

A wax candle.

Waning

Becoming weaker or smaller.

His waning strength

Waxing

To coat, treat, or polish with wax.

Waning

Of the lunar phase: as it shrinks when viewed from the Earth.

The waning moon

Waxing

To remove (facial or body hair) by covering the skin with a layer of wax that is peeled off after hardening, uprooting the encased hairs.

Waning

The fact or act of becoming less or less intense or present; fading.

The waning of her energy

Waxing

To remove hair from (a portion of the body) by this method.

Waning

The fact or act of becoming smaller.

Waxing

To increase gradually in size, number, strength, or intensity

“His love affair with Mrs. Bernstein waxed and waned and waxed again” (C. Hugh Holman).

Waning

The act or process of waning, or decreasing.

This earthly moon, the Church, hath fulls and wanings, and sometimes her eclipses.

Waxing

To show a progressively larger illuminated area, as the moon does in passing from new to full.

Waning

A gradual decrease in magnitude or extent;

The waning of his enthusiasm was obvious

The waxing and waning of the moon

Waxing

To grow or become as specified

“His very body had waxed old in lowly service of the Lord” (James Joyce).

Waning

(of the moon) pertaining to the period during which the visible surface of the moon decreases;

After full moon comes the waning moon

Waxing

To speak or write as specified

“[He] warmed to his most favorite of subjects, waxed eloquent, gained in his face a glow of passion” (Paul J. Willis).

Waxing

The action of the verb to wax.

Waxing

(countable) A cosmetic procedure in which hair is removed from the body by the application and removal of wax.

Waxing

(countable) A recording intended for a phonograph.

Waxing

The application of wax to a surface

Waxing

A gradual increase in magnitude or extent;

The waxing of the moon

Waxing

(of the moon) pertaining to the period during which the visible surface of the moon increases;

The waxing moon passes from new to full

How long does the waxing phase of the moon last?

The waxing phase lasts from the new moon to the full moon, about half of the lunar cycle or roughly 14 days.

Is waxing always positive and waning negative?

Contextually, waxing often has a positive connotation, while waning might be neutral or negative, but this isn't absolute.

Can we use waxing to describe growing enthusiasm?

Yes, waxing can be used to describe increasing enthusiasm or interest.

Can waning be used outside of lunar contexts?

Absolutely, waning can describe any diminishing or decreasing phenomenon.

What follows a waning gibbous moon?

After the waning gibbous phase, the moon enters its waning crescent phase.

Does waning mean the moon is disappearing?

Waning means the moon's illuminated portion is decreasing, but the moon itself isn't disappearing.

Does waxing always refer to visible growth?

Mostly, but it can also metaphorically describe intangible growth, like influence or enthusiasm.

What does waxing mean in terms of the moon?

Waxing refers to the moon's phase when its visible surface, as seen from Earth, is increasing.

Can waning be used to describe interests or trends?

Yes, waning can describe diminishing interests or declining trends.

Is waxing crescent before or after a new moon?

Waxing crescent comes after the new moon and before the first quarter moon.

When is the moon's visibility at its least during waning?

The moon's visibility is at its least during the waning crescent, right before the new moon.

Is waxing related to applying wax?

Yes, "waxing" can also refer to the act of applying wax to surfaces for shine or protection.

What phase comes after the waxing crescent?

After the waxing crescent phase, the moon enters its first quarter phase.

What signifies the end of the waning phase?

The new moon marks the end of the waning phase and the beginning of the waxing phase.

Can waxing describe a surge in popularity?

Yes, waxing can describe a rising trend or surge in popularity.

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Waxing vs. Waning — What’s the Difference? (2025)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5907

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Birthday: 1996-01-14

Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

Phone: +3571286597580

Job: Product Banking Analyst

Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.