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as in to deprive
to take something away from recurring problems could not abate her of her enthusiasm for the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of abate are ebb, subside, and wane. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

Where would ebb be a reasonable alternative to abate?

The words ebb and abate can be used in similar contexts, but ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

When is it sensible to use subside instead of abate?

Although the words subside and abate have much in common, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

In what contexts can wane take the place of abate?

The synonyms wane and abate are sometimes interchangeable, but wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive.

waning enthusiasm

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abate The latest announcement did not abate those concerns. Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 7 May 2025 Experts and metformin users say the drug’s risks are generally minimal; common side effects include diarrhea and difficulty building muscle, both of which appear to abate once patients stop taking it. Mohana Ravindranath, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Trump's positive reflection on the call could signal that tensions are abating. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 The current global economic crisis shows no sign of abating, with economic slowdown, job losses, and recession forecast by leaders in governments and financial services. Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for abate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate
Verb
  • Luckily, the experience trumped inhaling the intense stench, which eventually subsided.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 16 May 2025
  • This new poll, and others, suggest voters' concerns over the economy may be subsiding.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Their original sentences, which were 12 years and seven years, respectively, were reduced in September 2023.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • With Bayern aiming to reduce their wage bill, the Wirtz signing would have come at the cost of at least an extra €20million (£16.8m, $22.7m) per year, on top of a transfer fee somewhere between €100m and €150m.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently 20 states have passed laws that would abolish clock changes if they are given permission to do so by the federal government.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
  • Athletic Bilbao’s Estadio de San Mamés was full of tears of joy from Tottenham fans clad in white and players alike at the full-time whistle as the team abolished the reputation for not finishing big matches.
    David Close, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The most common way to determine heart rate is to subtract a person's age from 220.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
  • The bill would remove tax requirements from tips for service workers and overtime wages whilst also allowing small businesses to subtract 23 percent of qualifying income from taxes.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Tapper believes that the effort of family and his longtime staff members to hide Biden’s condition deprived the Democratic Party of the chance to determine if its chances were better with another candidate, who would have benefited from more time to mount a campaign against Trump.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Sixteen Penn swimmers anonymously signed a letter claiming that Thomas' participation deprived them of fair opportunities.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Iron Ore production decreased by 4.5% to 67.7 million metric tons due to heavy rainfall in Brazil.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Although the unsheltered population in the city of L.A. decreased last year from 32,680 to 29,275, and is projected to decline again this year, residents and business owners continue to express frustration with the city’s handling of the homelessness crisis.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • The conservative view Many conservatives are determined to repeal or at least delay and dilute most of the clean energy breaks.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
  • The judges rationalized that any special consideration for minors ended when the U.S. Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade and the Florida Supreme Court followed suit.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Businesses allowed to deduct expenses at an accelerated pace.
    Dylan Matthews, Vox, 22 May 2025
  • Before the rule, taxpayers could deduct all their state and local taxes from their federal taxes, which some policymakers have said mainly benefits wealthy homeowners in states with high taxes, such as New York and California.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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