ebb 1 of 2

ebb

2 of 2

verb

1
2

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
Those relations were at a low ebb under Francis’s predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Victor Gaetan, Foreign Affairs, 25 Apr. 2025 Some progressive Democrats haven’t experienced an ebb in the consistent anger toward Musk and Trump at town halls in their district. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
But while that cozy sense of watching a film made for viewers already interested and well disposed towards Matlin never ebbs, this is still immensely watchable, not least thanks to Matlin’s still incandescent natural charisma. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025 In short, geopolitical norms have been ebbed away and military actions that were once deemed red lines are crossed with little accountability. Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ebb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebb
Noun
  • They are then transported to the Berkhamsted conservation center, where their condition is examined for deterioration.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Nationwide, the ramifications of deportation for these key citizens will affect all of us, which can lead to deterioration of our healthcare system, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health aides, etc.
    Rachel Blumberg, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • But the age and condition of the fleet could deteriorate further, even with an infusion of cash to buy new equipment, because the wait times are so long.
    Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • Fiscal Policy Without exception, the fiscal position of large countries, including the United States, as measured by government debt relative to GDP, deteriorated due to the impact of spending during the pandemic.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • These students, many already at an educational disadvantage, are left with instability, fewer learning opportunities and decreased academic performance.
    Lakeisha Wells Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Some of the nation’s leading tourist destinations, including Orlando, Miami and Los Angeles, are bracing for how the decline will impact businesses that rely on spending from international travelers.
    Jason Carroll, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Russell Reynolds' Global CEO Turnover Index reports that the average CEO tenure dropped from 8.1 years in Q1 2024 to 6.8 years in Q1 2025, marking the sharpest decline in recent years.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • There are also mental health impacts with worsening anxiety, stress, and depression in the hotter summer months.
    Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Relations have only worsened in recent years, as Beijing has leveraged its budding economic and military power to ramp up pressure on its neighbor.
    ELY RATNER, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • So much oil got sucked out of the port and its neighborhoods that the ground started to subside, in some places yards deep.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • There was a slight uptick in turnovers in the postseason, but that must subside against the Thunder.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 May 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 sun's changing declination is what determines whether the sun's rays strike us at a low angle or more directly.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The strikes overwhelmed air defense systems, and the city was rife with fires burning, buildings crumbling, and other debris from the attacks.
    Christopher Tremoglie, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
  • The myth that Medicaid is for 'someone else' is crumbling fast.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ebb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ebb. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ebb

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!