Synonym Chooser

How is the word subside distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of subside are abate, ebb, and wane. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

When can abate be used instead of subside?

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

the storm abated

When is ebb a more appropriate choice than subside?

The words ebb and subside are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 wane instead of subside?

Although the words wane and subside have much in common, 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 subside These attacks subsided for much of 2025, before flaring up again over the summer. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025 Gaza officials said Israel continued to strike the area early Friday but have since said bombings have subsided, the AP reported. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025 There was some concern about Mayfield’s status for the Bucs’ Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but those worries were likely subsided after Mayfield was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 The annexation question appeared to subside for a time afterwards. Paula Newton, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subside
Verb
  • Bean and squash yields (as measured by weight) were reduced when intercropped with maize, while maize yields were only slightly diminished when intercropped.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though the number of uninsured motorist was decreasing during the 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed the trend, with some Americans, who were driving less often, dropping their insurance, USA TODAY reported.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, the rebound numbers could decrease for Towns.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On a shotgun snap, a handoff slipped out of Bo Nix’s hands, the quarterback falling on it for a loss of four.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Our 10 favorite Amazon fall fashion staples start at just $10 right now.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Defense Secretary, meanwhile, vanishes into a personal fog, thinking only of his daughter (Kaitlyn Dever), who lives in Chicago.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But the vast majority of those jobs have since vanished.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In previous Fortune coverage of inflation’s long tail, consumers’ coping tactics have included trading down brands, shrinking baskets, delaying car repairs, and leaning on credit cards.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Their numbers, however, have been shrinking as affordability weighs heavily on them, influencing milestone decisions like moving out of the family households.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Key Takeaways Cumin, coriander, and fennel may ease bloating and gas by supporting digestion.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, worries about oversupply have pressured the oil market, with the price of Brent and WTI both at near five-month lows – potentially easing the inflation burden for Americans, if gas prices follow oil prices lower.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hoyer declined to speculate on whether the major-league payroll would receive a boost after Wrigley Field hosted two playoff rounds.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The sentiment has affected Gulf IPOs, which are expected to decline to their lowest level since 2021.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • From January to June, rising water levels bring the canopy and its wildlife closer, while from July to December, receding waters reveal intricate jungle trails, offering an astonishing perspective of the towering trees.
    Jen Richt, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Both are expected to reopen soon, possibly as early as Thursday, once the water recedes and the pools can be refilled with spring water.
    Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subside. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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