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 Wait for the looky-loo mob to subside. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2025 The damage persists for decades, long after the crime wave itself has subsided. Ugo Troiano, Oc Register, 15 Oct. 2025 Permafrost is also thawing, land is subsiding, and sea-level rise is adding to the risk. Rick Thoman, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2025 By day 10, my entire nervous system was hijacked—every fiber of my being was at ease, and all cravings subsided. Essence, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subside
Verb
  • Although there may be some lingering tension between Turning Point and the Wisconsin GOP, resistance to the group is diminishing, party officials said.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Coleman also pushed back against the notion that enthusiasm for AI diminishes the value of human work.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 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
  • However, when the students reached the platform the second time, Dylan had vanished.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Security alarms drew Louvre staff to the scene within moments, but the thieves had already vanished with their haul.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Much of Moreas’s difficulty stems from a shrinking pool of skilled labor in the health care workforce.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • For her next trick, Halsey has shrunk the venues, with a persona that seems at least as large in a looser mode.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 20 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
  • Contract options exercised for 4 The club exercised contract options on Stephen Afrifa, Zorhan Bassong, Jansen Miller and John Pulskamp, while declining options for Tim Leibold, Nemanja Radoja, Ryan Schewe, Shelton and Mason Toye.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
  • However, her cousin the followed up, and the OP wrote back declining the invite.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 23 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 24 Oct. 2025.

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