1
: the apparent descent of the sun below the horizon
also
: the accompanying atmospheric effects
2
: the time when the upper limb of the sun disappears below the horizon as a result of the diurnal rotation of the earth
3
: a period of decline
especially
: old age
: stipulating the periodic review of government agencies and programs in order to continue their existence
sunset laws
sunsetted; sunsetting
1
transitive
US
: to cause or allow (something, such as a law) to lapse, end, or be terminated
And yet, even though he was part of the coalition, Obama offered an amendment … that would have sunsetted the merit-based evaluation system for immigrants after five years.—
Jake Tapper
Jake TapperIn an effort to cut back on projects, Google decided to sunset Google Reader …—Tristan Louis
Tristan Louis2
intransitive
US
: to lapse or come to an end : expire
laws that will sunset at the end of the year
Since the credit will sunset at the end of 2016, its fate could rest in the hands of a new Congress and a new president—who might not necessarily see the value in reinstating the credit.—Eric S. Peterson
Eric S. PetersonExamples of sunset in a Sentence
Noun
We worked from sunrise to sunset.
the golden light of sunset
Recent Examples on the Web
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 9 May 2025
The oceanfront bar not only has fantastic sea and sunset views, but is also a great viewing spot to see the stars.
—Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Sofia Quintero, ELLE Decor, 28 Mar. 2023
The solar system’s largest planet this week takes a bow and departs the post-sunset night sky for many months.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023
Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Originally, the foundation was slated to sunset 20 years after Gates’ death.
—Quartz Staff, Quartz, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sunset
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Noun
The foundation's sunset date has been moved up to 2045.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 9 May 2025
The oceanfront bar not only has fantastic sea and sunset views, but is also a great viewing spot to see the stars.
—Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
Add an elegant outdoor sconce for some post-sunset flow and a cozy pillow.
—Sofia Quintero, ELLE Decor, 28 Mar. 2023
The solar system’s largest planet this week takes a bow and departs the post-sunset night sky for many months.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023
Verb
Remember, when the 2017 Tax Act doubled the exemption from the prior $5 million inflation adjusted to $10 million inflation adjusted that bonus exemption was supposed to sunset in 2026.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Originally, the foundation was slated to sunset 20 years after Gates’ death.
—Quartz Staff, Quartz, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sunset
Cite this Entry
“Sunset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunset. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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