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ebb

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word ebb distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ebb are abate, subside, and wane. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

When could abate be used to replace ebb?

While the synonyms abate and ebb are close in meaning, abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

When can subside be used instead of ebb?

In some situations, the words subside and ebb are roughly equivalent. However, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

When might wane be a better fit than ebb?

The words wane and ebb can be used in similar contexts, 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 ebb
Noun
But at the team’s lowest ebb, Gvardiol often looked the most dangerous attacking player, the one with genuine power and forward momentum from deeper positions to break through defensive lines. Thom Harris, New York Times, 28 May 2025 Europe’s unity – on display remarkably today in Kyiv, and backed by over a dozen other countries from New Zealand to Canada – can only worsen from its current peak, especially if American support for Ukraine ebbs. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
Verb
With air travel booking rapidly ebbing and fears of a recession growing, a more likely outcome is pressure from the business community to rescind, or drastically lower, the tariffs. Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 After 14 seasons in which its popularity barely ever ebbed, Blue Bloods was canceled by CBS in Nov. 2023. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ebb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebb
Noun
  • With deterioration continuing, a 2014 study recommended the entire span be replaced.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Corrosion is one of the leading causes of conventional RC infrastructure deterioration, often requiring extensive repairs and maintenance.
    Carol Cain, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • While the fintech company presents a mixed investment profile with strong balance sheet metrics offset by deteriorating growth and profitability challenges, the index inclusion provides near-term support for a stock that has demonstrated extreme volatility lately.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The rallies are borne of a deep dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, the deteriorating quality of public services, the administration’s overzealous approach to taxation, and police brutality.
    Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • This would decrease in the following months to reach a low of 41 percent in April.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • Older people may have decreased appetites or struggle to shop for food and prepare meals.
    Paula Span, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • On the plus side a decline in auto prices is expected as the demand is now lower after the strong buying in March and April.
    Tom Aspray, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • The condition leads to a decline in the ability to independently function, think and reason.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • This misinformation can also lead to insurance denials, distorted retirement planning, and worsened stigma.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Most of the Corn Belt and Midwest remain drought-free, except for northern Illinois where conditions worsened, the agency said.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Once the shock subsided, Wiley realized what an unusual and humorous experience this is.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Some victims say that grief is hitting them harder now that the acute crisis has subsided.
    James Rainey Follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.
    Lisa Zornberg, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The sun's changing declination is what determines whether the sun's rays strike us at a low angle or more directly.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Unfortunately, countless family businesses crumble—not for financial reasons, but because of missteps in preparation.
    Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • But Paxton's sizeable lead could crumble in light of his divorce proceedings.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ebb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ebb. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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