ebb

1 of 2

noun

ˈeb 

1

: the reflux of the tide toward the sea

2

: a point or condition of decline

our spirits were at a low ebb

ebb

2 of 2

verb

ebbed; ebbing; ebbs

intransitive verb

1

: to recede from the flood

2

: to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state

his popularity ebbed

Synonyms

Noun

• decadence
• declension
• declination
• decline
• degeneracy
• degeneration
• degradation
• dégringolade
• descent
• deterioration
• devolution
• downfall
• downgrade
• eclipse
• fall

Verb

• atrophy
• crumble
• decay
• decline
• degenerate
• descend
• deteriorate
• devolve
• regress
• retrograde
• rot
• sink
• worsen

Choose the Right Synonym for ebb

abate, subside, wane, ebb mean to die down in force or intensity.

abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive.

waning enthusiasm

ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

Examples of ebb in a Sentence

Noun

Morale seems to have reached its lowest ebb.

a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country

Verb

waiting for the tide to ebb

the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In a social climate where loneliness is on the rise and hanging out is at an ebb, more experiences are vital, Kumar says. —Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 13 Sep. 2024

At the same time, Tehran is finally being unshackled from U.S.-led economic sanctions, which will increase Iran’s power dramatically at the very moment Saudi Arabia’s relationship with the United States is at its lowest ebb in decades. —Andrew L. Peek, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2016

Verb

While its dominance has ebbed, Tesla still has enough market heft in California and the US to lessen the impact of purchase subsidies on its business. —Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024

Goth’s mainstream profile tends to ebb and surge, and the past few years have seen a new wave of macabre media that seems to be cresting this fall. —Judy Berman, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ebbe, from Old English ebba; akin to Middle Dutch ebbe ebb, Old English of from — more at of

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ebb

• ebb and flow
• ebb tide

Kids Definition

ebb

1 of 2 noun

ˈeb 

1

: the flow away from the shore of seawater brought in by the tide

2

: a passing from a high to a low point

our spirits were at a low ebb

also : the time of such a passing

ebb

2 of 2 verb

1

: to recede from the flood

2

: to fall from a higher level or better state : weaken

her strength ebbed