EBB Synonyms: 205 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of ebb are abate , subside , and wane . While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes. // the ebbing of daylight

Q: When could 'abate' be used to replace 'ebb'?

While the synonyms abate and ebb are close in meaning, abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing. // the storm abated

Q: When can 'subside' be used instead of 'ebb'?

In some situations, the words subside and ebb are roughly equivalent. However, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation. // the protests subsided after a few days

Q: When might 'wane' be a better fit than 'ebb'?

The words wane and ebb can be used in similar contexts, but wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive. // waning enthusiasm

ebb 1 of 2

noun

ˈeb

Definition of ebb next

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ebb

2 of 2

verb

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to decrease

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually the howling winds ebbed as the hurricane moved into the interior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ebb distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ebb are abate, subside, and wane. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

When could abate be used to replace ebb?

While the synonyms abate and ebb are close in meaning, abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

When can subside be used instead of ebb?

In some situations, the words subside and ebb are roughly equivalent. However, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

When might wane be a better fit than ebb?

The words wane and ebb can be used in similar contexts, but wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive.

waning enthusiasm

Examples 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 ebb

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

Boomers own the lion's share of U.S. housing, a trend that has broadened since the 2008 financial crash and the ebbing away of their parents in the Silent Generation. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 And yet, now that it’s been more than a year since Grande and Slater’s relationship went public, the shock is beginning to ebb. —

Glamour, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ebb

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebb

Noun

But top Democratic leaders insist some compromise must be found this year to stem deterioration of core programs.

Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 18 Dec. 2024
As stocks continued higher into early December signs of deterioration started to appear.

Tom Aspray, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024