ABATE Synonyms: 225 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'abate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of abate are ebb , subside , and wane . While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing. // the storm abated

Q: Where would 'ebb' be a reasonable alternative to 'abate'?

The words ebb and abate can be used in similar contexts, but ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes. // the ebbing of daylight

Q: When is it sensible to use 'subside' instead of 'abate'?

Although the words subside and abate have much in common, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation. // the protests subsided after a few days

Q: In what contexts can 'wane' take the place of 'abate'?

The synonyms wane and abate are sometimes interchangeable, but wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive. // waning enthusiasm

abate

verb

ə-ˈbāt

Definition of abate next

as in to subside

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually interest in the author's home abated as her novels waned in popularity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reduce

to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent a couple of aspirin should abate the pain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action asked the appellate court to abate the lower court's ruling allowing the patient to be removed from life support

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to subtract

to take away (an amount or number) from a total I managed to get the used car dealer to abate $200 from the sticker price

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to deprive

to take something away from recurring problems could not abate her of her enthusiasm for the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of abate are ebb, subside, and wane. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

Where would ebb be a reasonable alternative to abate?

The words ebb and abate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 subside instead of abate?

Although the words subside and abate have much in common, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

In what contexts can wane take the place of abate?

The synonyms wane and abate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 abate As for California, the wildfires show no immediate signs of abating. —

Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 On Friday, the crisis over the continuing resolution suddenly abated. —

Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024 The symptoms can come on suddenly and dramatically then generally abate after one to three days. —

Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Jan. 2025 Hon Hai Precision Industry, which does business as Foxconn around the world, said its revenue climbed 15% year over year, signaling the enthusiasm around AI is not abating. —

Jacob Pramuk, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for abate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate

Verb

Even so, Reynolds felt a connection and interest in the role that wouldn’t subside over the long development period.

— Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Although rains are expected to subside Sunday evening into Monday, flash-flood and mudslide risks for the wildfire burn scar areas will persist through Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025