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 Depending on the person and their consumption level, the symptoms can subside for up to three weeks. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025 While heavy rain was subsiding in Texas and Oklahoma by late Sunday afternoon, additional heavy rain was expected across parts of the Plains this week, Oravec said. Hannah Fingerhut, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025 Harrison also suggested that the vitriol against the trade would’ve subsided as time progressed, but injuries to key players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving didn’t showcase the team’s potential on the court this season. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2025 There are other reasons for the answer being Fernandes: City have been susceptible to pace this season, but that has subsided somewhat with Abdukodir Khusanov in the back line, and United’s derby hero from December, Amad, is injured. Carl Anka, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subside
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2025
  • For households, purchasing power diminishes as prices outpace wage growth.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The four-seamer might be decreasing in usage, and the worst single pitch in the game - but the great ones have great ones.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Research has also shown that being outside in nature can help decrease anxiety, stress, and anger, according to a UC Davis Health blog post.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Without employer pensions or consistent guidance, more of the retirement burden falls squarely on individuals.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
  • Bonds fell too, with the 10-year yield rising 3 basis points to 6.38%, though further declines were limited by debt purchases by the monetary authority.
    Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Hartford Courant Last word Couldn’t help but notice, the majestic 12-point beast that has been watching over Dunkin’ Park from the right field roof since day one — clearly visible even from the press box — mysteriously vanished this week.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2025
  • There are definitely species that are at risk of vanishing from an area and not coming back.
    Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Though East Contra Costa has been the hub of refinery activities in Northern California, the number of jobs in the remaining refineries was limited, and had been shrinking in the past decade.
    Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • That’s a significant chunk, and every bit counts when the U.S. economy shrank at a 0.3% annual rate in the first three months of the year.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • These requests show that district officials have yet to ease concerns about what some fear is a potential environmental risk lurking in and around the Liberty elementary school.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
  • Now, that seems to be easing, amid a shifting interest-rate environment and new approaches to game-making, as numerous speakers at the recent Los Angeles Games Conference detailed.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • While the cost of groceries, on average, declined, the report found the price of dining out got more expensive and is up about 4% from the past year.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Rea had become a free agent when the Brewers declined their $5.5 million option for this year, deciding to instead pay him a $1 million buyout.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Fatal opioid overdoses in the state have finally receded from record highs, with around 6,700 deaths recorded in the first half of 2024 — a roughly 16% drop from 2023’s peak.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • As World War II recedes further into the past, the task of tracking down next of kin and other information about U.S. forces is becoming tougher for volunteers like Holloman.
    Blane Bachelor, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subside. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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