as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
seniors who stay active can keep at bay some of the inevitable ebbing of the memory that comes with advanced years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in deteriorating
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 subsiding
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
as in waning
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebbing
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
-
Dahl’s relationship with the police department was deteriorating.—
Ronan Farrow,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
-
His health has been deteriorating since he was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a toddler.—
Lynsey Addario,
New York Times,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This stylish planter keeps plants well-watered and is virtually indestructible, designed to resist cracking and crumbling even in freezing temperatures.—
Rachel Ahrnsen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Since gaining public recognition in 2013, a spate of crumbling buildings in Ireland has been known as the mica crisis or scandal.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
It was originally added to water systems to combat tooth decay but more recently has been scrutinized by critics citing studies that elevated exposure could reduce IQ levels in children.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
-
In a world where sugar consumption continues to rise, dentists are struggling to keep up with demand; by some estimates, nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide are now struggling with oral diseases and tooth decay.—
David Prosser,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Highly flammable tamarisk shrubs have taken root in thick stands near streams in the western US, and eucalyptus — one of the primary invasive trees blamed for worsening Chile’s recent wildfires as well as fires in Portugal — increases wildfire risk in California.—
Kylie Mohr,
Vox,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The stagnation of major economies is worsening the situation.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.—
Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2025
-
After his round, the Irishman did not tolerate the media diminishing his spot in the tournament.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
And what's in Jim's hand as he's seen descending the stairways?—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Inflation, which had peaked at an annual rate above 9%, was descending fitfully toward the Fed's goal of 2%.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
That was after falling less than 13,000 fans short of 3 million in 2022.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Mar. 2025
-
That was what turned last night’s game around and what may be the difference between this team getting all the way to April 6 or falling short.—
John Nogowski,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Ebbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ebbing. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share