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ebb

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verb

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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

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 ebb
Noun
But at the team’s lowest ebb, Gvardiol often looked the most dangerous attacking player, the one with genuine power and forward momentum from deeper positions to break through defensive lines. Thom Harris, New York Times, 28 May 2025 Europe’s unity – on display remarkably today in Kyiv, and backed by over a dozen other countries from New Zealand to Canada – can only worsen from its current peak, especially if American support for Ukraine ebbs. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
Verb
With air travel booking rapidly ebbing and fears of a recession growing, a more likely outcome is pressure from the business community to rescind, or drastically lower, the tariffs. Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 After 14 seasons in which its popularity barely ever ebbed, Blue Bloods was canceled by CBS in Nov. 2023. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ebb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebb
Noun
  • Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2025
  • Perry confirmed the system’s deterioration at the council’s May 28 meeting.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The two deteriorating sites are both on the radar of municipal officials.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 July 2025
  • The rallies are borne of a deep dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, the deteriorating quality of public services, the administration’s overzealous approach to taxation, and police brutality.
    Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • There isn’t an income ceiling, but the percentage gradually decreases as income rises.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 July 2025
  • The enhanced subsidies started during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Biden administration and helped dramatically decrease the cost of premiums for these plans.
    Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • These adjustment to scheduling, along with staffing changes and dining revenue declines, are impacting not just Jack Fry's, but the entire Louisville restaurant economy.
    Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • The sales drop was led primarily by a 9% fall in North America and declines in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • This misinformation can also lead to insurance denials, distorted retirement planning, and worsened stigma.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Most of the Corn Belt and Midwest remain drought-free, except for northern Illinois where conditions worsened, the agency said.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Once the shock subsided, Wiley realized what an unusual and humorous experience this is.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Riding the wave Still other curveballs can await a player after the draft night buzz has subsided.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.
    Lisa Zornberg, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The changing declination also defines the daily arc that the sun takes across the sky, thereby accounting for the length of daylight.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The school plans to kick off the upcoming high school football season with the new seating, which replaced crumbling concrete bleachers that were estimated at roughly 50 years old.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • But a crumbling park does far more to make international visitors feel unwelcome than a surcharge ever could.
    Tate Watkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ebb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ebb. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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