ebb

1 of 2

noun

ˈeb 

1

: the reflux of the tide toward the sea

2

: a point or condition of decline

our spirits were at a low ebb

ebb

2 of 2

verb

ebbed; ebbing; ebbs

intransitive verb

1

: to recede from the flood

2

: to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state

his popularity ebbed

Synonyms

Noun

• deterioration
• decline
• declination
• degradation
• descent

Verb

• deteriorate
• decline
• worsen
• crumble
• descend

Choose the Right Synonym for ebb

abate, subside, wane, ebb mean to die down in force or intensity.

abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive.

waning enthusiasm

ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

Examples of ebb in a Sentence

Noun

Morale seems to have reached its lowest ebb.

a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country

Verb

waiting for the tide to ebb

the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Those two facts considered, the risk of conflagration ebbs, and Trump’s choices look easier. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 June 2025

Hussain became England captain in 1999 at one of those low ebbs, after an appalling home World Cup and with the Test side about to be ranked worst in the world. —Paul Newman, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Verb

Following a parade of corruption scandals, pervasive electoral fraud and voter suppression, violence, and economic crises, however, PRI’s stranglehold over Mexican governance had ebbed, and a pro-democracy political faction, led by the National Action Party (PAN), gained strength. —Rebecca Grant june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025

The conflict, which began with an Israeli attack against Iran on June 13, has sent oil prices yo-yo-ing, which has in turn caused seesaw moves for the U.S. stock market because of rising and ebbing fears that the war could disrupt the global flow of crude. —Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ebbe, from Old English ebba; akin to Middle Dutch ebbe ebb, Old English of from — more at of

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ebb

• ebb and flow
• ebb tide

Rhymes for ebb

• deb
• web
• cobweb

Kids Definition

ebb

1 of 2 noun

ˈeb 

1

: the flow away from the shore of seawater brought in by the tide

2

: a passing from a high to a low point

our spirits were at a low ebb

also : the time of such a passing

ebb

2 of 2 verb

1

: to recede from the flood

2

: to fall from a higher level or better state : weaken

her strength ebbed