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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 When that high water abated in late July, Day predicted that barge traffic on the state's largest port and the Arkansas River as a whole would return to normal. Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2025 The bells chime in the wind, then fade when the wind abates. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025 The ensuing years have done little to abate the problem. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 Amen emphasized that some people may feel more tired at first, but this side effect usually abates. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate
Verb
  • The big number arrives, characters emote, high notes ring and ring and ring again … and the aria subsides unmemorably, without leaving the ozone tang that signals a bolt of musical lightning.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Herro received platelet-rich plasma and cortisone injections in hopes of avoiding surgery, but the discomfort never subsided and surgery was deemed necessary to avoid more issues down the road.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Autos Are an Economic Anchor China’s bold move into electric vehicles began in 2009 as a top-down policy to compete with foreign automakers, cut air pollution and reduce oil imports.
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Last week, Reform pledged to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which gives migrants settled status in Britain.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Among 16 to 24-year-olds, 67 percent wanted to abolish compared to 30 percent who would keep the crown.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Linklater took a more aggressive directorial tack than usual, pushing Hawke to subtract any mannerisms that smacked too much of himself.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Business inventories also shrank, subtracting over three percentage points from GDP.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Gaines argues since Title IX guarantees men and women equal opportunities to compete in athletics, permitting transgender female athletes to compete deprives other women athletes.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Igou faces five felony counts, including neglect of a dependent resulting in death and neglecting a dependent by depriving them of education.
    Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Steam decreased 33 percent and gas consumption decreased 12 percent—both due to more consistent production flows.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Austin, Denver have seen rents decrease Such arguments aren’t just economics textbook ideas, say Horowitz and other observers.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some of the laws lapsed and were never renewed, some were repealed, and judges struck down others as violations of the First Amendment.
    Time, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The strategist noted that Youngkin’s message on parental rights and education is often the main takeaway from his campaign, but there were other important messages, including repealing the state’s grocery tax.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Horse breeders and owners can also deduct their losses against any type of income, including capital gains and salary, according to Green.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Once federal student aid is approved, the Department of Education disburses the money to the school, which deducts the tuition costs and forwards the remaining balance to the student to cover living expenses.
    John Wisely, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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