FADE (5 letters) The crossword solutions for the term DIMINISH, WITH 'OFF' are TAPER and FADE. Diminish means to reduce in size, amount, intensity, or degree. To TAPER OFF is to gradually decrease in size, amount, intensity, or degree. To FADE OFF is to gradually become less intense or disappear completely. Both of these terms describe a process of diminishing, with the addition of 'OFF' indicating that the process is gradual.