A dog may be lightly sabled, with just a scattering of black-tipped hairs over the withers, to one who is so heavily sabled that from a distance he almost appears black.
They segue easily from discussing favorite books and movies to making declarations of love, though their affection slowly withers as real-world responsibilities intrude.
Payment cycles-ie, when a firm pays suppliers and is paid by customers-become more important, too, as the purchasing power of cash delivered tomorrow withers in inflation's heat.
On the contrary, when removed from the greenhouse and exposed to the driving rain, the flower soon fades and withers, with its petals scattered on the ground.