Synonym Chooser

How is the word subside distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of subside are abate, ebb, and wane. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

When can abate be used instead of subside?

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

the storm abated

When is ebb a more appropriate choice than subside?

The words ebb and subside are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 wane instead of subside?

Although the words wane and subside have much in common, 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 subside The nervous dread subsided, for once, and the roars returned as the Sox triumphed. Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 The flood risk ramps up on Wednesday then should subside Friday morning. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 The fires had largely subsided, but the city felt strange: hushed and stricken in some corners, business as usual in others. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025 In 1946, taxpayers began subsiding scientific research at higher education institutions. William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subside
Verb
  • The previous six champions were all diminished the following season by either injuries or significant roster changes.
    Jay King, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Lacy turned himself in to police on Jan. 12, but his NFL Draft prospects were significantly diminished by the wreck.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And the over-all number of abortions in the U.S. may eventually decrease as a result of Dobbs.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • On the other hand, just 5 percent said tariffs would decrease prices in the short term, and 30 percent said the policy would lower prices in the long term.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And bond market yields fall by about 150 basis points (1.5 percentage points).11 The Fed Fed Chair Powell says the Fed is waiting for the softening survey data to translate into hard data before moving toward lower interest rates.
    Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And just how big a hit do 401(k)s take when markets fall?
    Dr. Ronald Premuroso, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • American man who vanished during dinner in tourist hot spot found dead.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • As the local lore goes, a taxi driver on Archer Avenue picked up a strange woman who, during the ride, seemed to vanish.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These sprays shrink the blood vessels in your nasal passages.
    Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The number shrank during Italy’s postwar economic boom as residents moved to the mainland for more modern housing — including indoor plumbing, which was lacking in Venice.
    Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Menstrual Cycle Support Tea promotes hormonal balance, eases menstrual cramps, and aids with managing sugar cravings.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Getting Mitchell off the ball more also balanced the offense and eased the load on Mitchell’s balky knees … and worked so well that the Cavs led the league in offensive efficiency.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The hospital declined to say whether Ikner was one of their patients.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
  • County officials declined to comment on the civil lawsuit.
    USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And aggressive nationalism receded after World War II, as Europeans learned to channel their patriotic zeal through soccer, not war.
    Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know According to a survey from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), small business optimism receded in March to 97.4, below the 51-year average of 98 and well below the reading of 101.3 that analysts had anticipated.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subside. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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