ebb

1 of 2

noun

ˈeb 

1

: the reflux of the tide toward the sea

2

: a point or condition of decline

our spirits were at a low ebb

ebb

2 of 2

verb

ebbed; ebbing; ebbs

intransitive verb

1

: to recede from the flood

2

: to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state

his popularity ebbed

Synonyms

Noun

• decadence
• declension
• declination
• decline
• degeneracy
• degeneration
• degradation
• dégringolade
• descent
• deterioration
• devolution
• downfall
• downgrade
• eclipse
• fall

Verb

• atrophy
• crumble
• decay
• decline
• degenerate
• descend
• deteriorate
• devolve
• regress
• retrograde
• rot
• sink
• worsen

Choose the Right Synonym for ebb

abate, subside, wane, ebb mean to die down in force or intensity.

abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive.

waning enthusiasm

ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

Examples of ebb in a Sentence

Noun

Morale seems to have reached its lowest ebb.

a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country

Verb

waiting for the tide to ebb

the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Consumers so far have been willing to pay record prices thanks to recent trends around wage and employment growth, according to Swanson, but prices could drop if demand ebbs. —Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025

But relations between the US and China, the world’s two most powerful nations, have sunk to their lowest ebb in decades, strained by spiraling competition over technology, military, geopolitics and more. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025

Verb

Aquifers in Chula Vista (in San Diego County), Santa Ana (Orange County) and Santa Clara (Bay Area) were seen to ebb and swell with periods, respectively, of drought and precipitation. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

Recent positive results against Liverpool, Arsenal and Southampton indicate that a work rate has returned to United — one that had largely ebbed away in the final weeks of Erik ten Hag’s tenure. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ebbe, from Old English ebba; akin to Middle Dutch ebbe ebb, Old English of from — more at of

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ebb

• ebb and flow
• ebb tide

Rhymes for ebb

• deb
• web
• cobweb

Kids Definition

ebb

1 of 2 noun

ˈeb 

1

: the flow away from the shore of seawater brought in by the tide

2

: a passing from a high to a low point

our spirits were at a low ebb

also : the time of such a passing

ebb

2 of 2 verb

1

: to recede from the flood

2

: to fall from a higher level or better state : weaken

her strength ebbed