Definition of abatenext
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as in to deprive
to take something away from recurring problems could not abate her of her enthusiasm for the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of abate are ebb, subside, and wane. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

Where would ebb be a reasonable alternative to abate?

The words ebb and abate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 subside instead of abate?

Although the words subside and abate have much in common, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

In what contexts can wane take the place of abate?

The synonyms wane and abate are sometimes interchangeable, 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 abate Jim Cramer said that when war worries abate, stocks can trade on earnings. Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026 Preserving dam integrity across northern Michigan will be important to the region once the crisis abates, said Sharen Lange, a Cheboygan business owner active in economic development, including on Cheboygan Commons. CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 That’s a signal that investors expect inflation, which has been driven by energy prices, to continue to abate. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 Arab foreign ministers on Sunday appointed veteran Egyptian diplomat Nabil Fahmy as the head of the 22-member Arab League, at a time the Middle East is immersed in a regional war that shows no sign of abating. Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate
Verb
  • Breezy winds return on Tuesday after subsiding somewhat on Monday.
    Rachael Jay, CBS News, 2 May 2026
  • Since 2015, the ground in parts of the Tulare Lake area has subsided more than 6 feet, while part of the Tule area has dropped more than 7 feet.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • In 1994, American teenager Michael Fay was caned at a Singaporean prison for vandalism, a day after his sentence was reduced from six lashes to four in response to an appeal by President Bill Clinton.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has—unfairly—been reduced to an excuse to drink tequila and eat guac.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Dreaded by some, dodged by others, and abolished by at least one executive entirely, quarterly earnings calls remain must-listen rituals for Wall Street and the business press, but not for most consumers or even rank‑and‑file employees.
    Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 6 May 2026
  • Its refusal to abolish slavery placed it in a small club of holdouts, with Cuba and Brazil.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • And subtract another $5 million charity donation woven into his PGA agreement, too.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The two resulting signals are subtracted from each other to deliver the pure EPR signal—no speed-limiting feedback loop needed.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Its residents will also be awaiting further attacks, as Ukraine intensifies its campaign to disrupt the Russian oil industry and deprive the Kremlin of crucial funding for its war machine.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 1 May 2026
  • In the beginning—to bereave, deprive, rob.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Last year, the number of officers killed decreased, both in terms of officers killed as a result of felonious acts and those killed accidentally.
    Kenneth D. Robinson, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
  • Anyone can get Vibrio, but those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia, receiving immune-suppressing therapy, taking medicine to decrease stomach acid or having recently had stomach surgery are at high risk of severe complications.
    Eva Flowe May 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • In Springfield, the GOP nominee for governor, Darren Bailey, reiterated his call to reform or repeal the SAFE-T Act, a stance he’s held since his last run for governor in 2022.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The fee was suspended in 2017 and was set to be repealed entirely in 2031 as part of a legislative deal to extend the cap-and-trade program, which collects money by auctioning permits to emit greenhouse gases.
    Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • SurveyRewards reserves the right to deduct or cancel your pending rewards at any time at the site’s sole discretion.
    Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
  • The remaining settlement fund after deducting those costs and expenses will then be split among recipients based on their individual amounts, according to the settlement website.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abate. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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