as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level
a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the howling winds ebbed as the hurricane moved into the interior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ebb
Maria Flynn, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
But there’s no escaping the fact that the power of movies to both reflect and shape culture is at a low ebb.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 13 May 2025
Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
The Hill: Political criticism ebbed about Biden’s cognitive and physical frailties after the 82-year-old, diagnosed with Stage-4 prostate cancer, publicly revealed his illness on Sunday.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ebb
Noun
Schools are hesitant to grow too fast for fear they’ll be forced to retrench once today’s crisis ebbs.
—Maria Flynn, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
But there’s no escaping the fact that the power of movies to both reflect and shape culture is at a low ebb.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 13 May 2025
Verb
So why the ebbing growth as the global generative AI push remains in full force?
—Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
The Hill: Political criticism ebbed about Biden’s cognitive and physical frailties after the 82-year-old, diagnosed with Stage-4 prostate cancer, publicly revealed his illness on Sunday.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ebb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebb
Noun
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Most of the time, the summer slide—in other words, the deterioration of intellectual skills gained during the school year, during a period when kids are on breaks—is associated with a student’s reading skills, says Alexander.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
25 June 2025
-
The disease causes deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, a process that sets off a series of worsening symptoms.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
The Astros traded Pressly as a pure salary dump, influenced in part by his deteriorating relationship with general manager Dana Brown.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Thousands of small communities whose economies once revolved around plants have deteriorated to depression, drugs, and dollar stores.—
Ryan Craig,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2025
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The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
However, the revival of games like Brawl Stars proves that decline is not inevitable.—
Pawan Gaargi,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
However, the decline in enrollment there led the University of Missouri to reopen its program.—
Ramal Nasim,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Some locals in Venice, which has dealt with overtourism that has strained the city’s infrastructure and services for years, will protest the wedding over concerns its scale will worsen some of the issues created by excessive tourist crowds.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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Other inflammatory conditions can also cause back pain that worsens with rest and improves with activity, Dr. Portugal says.—
Katie Camero,
SELF,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
The program’s vehicles were rentals and will be returned to vendors as the program subsides.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
24 June 2025
-
Once the killing subsided, a desperate search began to find a way to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.—
Oona A. Hathaway,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Noun
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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
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The changing declination also defines the daily arc that the sun takes across the sky, thereby accounting for the length of daylight.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Top each bowl with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and crumbled Cotija cheese.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
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The San Francisco company’s shares took a dive Monday after its partnership with Novo Nordisk crumbled.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ebb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ebb. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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