ABATE Synonyms: 225 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

abate

verb

ə-ˈbāt

Definition of abate next

as in to subside

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually interest in the author's home abated as her novels waned in popularity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reduce

to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent a couple of aspirin should abate the pain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action asked the appellate court to abate the lower court's ruling allowing the patient to be removed from life support

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to subtract

to take away (an amount or number) from a total I managed to get the used car dealer to abate $200 from the sticker price

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Catherine Carpenter, a research data analyst at Tracking California — a program that collects and analyzes water quality data — said testing of people’s homes in Paradise showed ongoing contamination long after the Camp Fire abated. —

Aria Bendix, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025 The insomnia of his undercover years finally abated. —

Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025 If Trump Derangement Syndrome has abated somewhat, Musk Derangement Syndrome has arisen to fill the vacuum. —

Rich Lowry, National Review, 7 Feb. 2025 Seismologists estimate that the high seismic activity could take days or weeks to abate, although locals and government officials said the shaking had lessened on Wednesday. —

Reuters, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for abate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate

Verb

By most measures, political violence subsided after January 2021, in part because hundreds of participants in the January 6 attack were convicted and imprisoned.

— STEVEN LEVITSKY, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025
Ultimately, the north winds subsided and hundreds of firefighters and volunteers got the fire under control.

— Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025