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 Yet on the whole, the economic and market turbulences of April and May have quickly subsided and set the stage for a strong summer and fall. Robert Frank, CNBC, 20 June 2025 The revelation set off a statewide furor that nearly a year later has still not subsided. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025 The intensity of the chocolate builds to a crescendo of cocoa, then subsides with a sip of milk. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 The program’s vehicles were rentals and will be returned to vendors as the program subsides. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for subside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subside
Verb
  • Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • But all this trouble didn’t diminish his affection.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The recent data represents a downward trend as COVID-19 cases and deaths have decreased statewide into early summer, the state dashboard shows.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 7 July 2025
  • Revenue has remained relatively stagnant, decreasing slightly from $153 million to $152 million over the past year.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Monthly spending has also fallen by almost $20 year-over-year.
    Jon Kirchner, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • However, that strategy could fall flat if Cuomo keeps his campaign alive.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • After the second session, the tumor in my lung vanished.
    Tim Ryan, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • Jennifer Kesse, 24, vanished from her Orlando condo complex after leaving for work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, stumping both state and federal investigators as authorities raced to catch her abductor.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Amazon and other tech companies have also been shrinking their workforces through rolling layoffs over the past several years.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 1 July 2025
  • This time limit shrinks to 1 hour if the mercury rises to 90°F or higher, according to the USDA.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, mastering this approach not only enhances your sales performance but positions your company among the industry's top-tier, significantly easing future recruitment and fueling sustainable growth.
    Ryan Hohman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • In recent weeks, Trump has rolled back some of his steepest levies, easing costs imposed upon companies and alleviating concern about a sharp surge of inflation.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • LeBron James already opted in to a $52.6 million deal with the Lakers for next season, the Rockets traded for Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers saw James Harden decline his option in return for a new deal and a raise.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
  • At the time, Harvard declined to comment on the president’s post.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Then the fireballs receded and the shadows reabsorbed the light.
    Kian Tajbakhsh, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
  • As the Cold War receded into history, fears of nuclear war abated.
    FLORENCE GAUB, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subside. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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