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
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
As his adrenalin ebbs with relief, Aaron turns to the destruction. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025 The automotive industry’s infatuation with adventure shows no signs of ebbing. Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ebb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebb
Noun
  • With deterioration continuing, a 2014 study recommended the entire span be replaced.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Corrosion is one of the leading causes of conventional RC infrastructure deterioration, often requiring extensive repairs and maintenance.
    Carol Cain, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency for Ruidoso on Tuesday, warning of rapidly deteriorating conditions and rising river levels that threatened homes and businesses.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • This is where matters deteriorated, as PSG faced losing the player for nothing, having committed hundreds of millions to his transfer fee, salary and bonuses over the years.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Following Monday's trade, Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust will own 220 shares of GS, decreasing its weighting to about 4.35% from about 4.75%.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 7 July 2025
  • The recent data represents a downward trend as COVID-19 cases and deaths have decreased statewide into early summer, the state dashboard shows.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The condition leads to a decline in the ability to independently function, think and reason.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Policy journals brim with articles about American decline and the advent of multipolarity.
    Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 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
  • The excitement over Tesla’s robotaxi launch is subsiding as fewer social media videos are posted.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 2 July 2025
  • Investors have cheered as stocks have swiftly recovered to fresh highs and volatility has subsided.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 June 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
  • Unfortunately, countless family businesses crumble—not for financial reasons, but because of missteps in preparation.
    Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • But Paxton's sizeable lead could crumble in light of his divorce proceedings.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ebb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ebb. Accessed 18 Jul. 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!