1
2
3
4
5
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 Across the continent, civil wars flare and then abate. Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025 Unfortunately, this shortage shows no signs of abating. Mike Whitmire, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Until policymakers change the incentives, trade tensions will not abate. Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025 In the weeks since, those lines haven’t abated very much, as Printemps has emerged as a real New York phenomenon. Mark Holgate, Vogue, 17 Apr. 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
  • Another question has to do with the probiotics themselves: Can all probiotic supplements reduce negative feelings, or is there something specific about these nine bacteria included in the study?
    Simon Spichak, Health, 16 May 2025
  • In Sacramento, California, the weather service warned its office would have reduced staffing overnight.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • More news to know now The acting FEMA administrator was replaced after contradicting Trump on abolishing the agency.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • In late April, reports emerged that President Trump’s 2026 budget could seek to abolish Head Start entirely, as recommended in Project 2025, the policy blueprint for the second Trump term.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The deduction allows small businesses, including partnerships, sole proprietorships (who are often gig workers) and S corporations, to subtract 20% of their qualified business income from their taxes, lowering their tax liability.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 May 2025
  • Their seven-year streak of making it as least as far as the ALCS was snapped last offseason, and since then, mainstays Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker have been subtracted from the roster.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 6 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
  • Bill would end program in Texas On April 23, representatives of Texas Appleseed spoke at a committee hearing in support of House Bill 2609, which would repeal the Failure to Appear/Pay program.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Allow car loan interest to be deducted The House bill would also eliminate taxes on car loan interest by allowing consumers to deduct up to $10,000 for interest paid on vehicle loans.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 May 2025
  • Under a bill introduced by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) on May 6, the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act, individual workers would be able to deduct up to $10,000 in overtime pay, while married couples would be able to deduct up to $20,000.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abate. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!