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 But three weeks in, the conflict shows no sign of abating. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 While countless music documentaries about hundreds of artists have been made in the decade since streaming took hold, the appetite for them does not seem to be abating and Netflix has produced dozens of them. Jem Aswad, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026 In addition to thwarting complications, glues and netting can also abate bruising and swelling after facelift surgery, curtailing patients’ recovery. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 16 Mar. 2026 The cross-border clashes mark the deadliest fighting between neighbors, showing no signs of abating despite ceasefire efforts by China and Turkey. Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate
Verb
  • Workers discovered a grave containing human remains beneath tiles after part of the floor of St Peter and Paul Church subsided in February, triggering a race to identify the skeleton through DNA testing.
    Reuters, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Royals are hopeful their April woes will subside.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Protective styles like low buns or braids can also reduce frizz throughout the day.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In her tenure, Colorado has taken major steps to increase price transparency, reduce hospital and prescription drug costs, and hold the health care industry accountable.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the four and a half decades since France abolished the death penalty, the guillotine itself has rarely been seen.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • If holistic admissions were abolished (and admissions were based solely on grades, curricular rigor and test scores), the percentage of students with parents in the top 1% of income would drop by more than a third.
    David Blobaum, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fely reached the 40-rep mark, but two were deemed not to have reached full extension and were subtracted from his total.
    Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Credits are subtracted directly from the taxpayer’s tax bill.
    Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Cuba has taken a severe economic hit since the US effectively blocked its oil supply earlier this year, depriving its aging electricity network of its main source of fuel.
    Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The 27-year-old's absence especially hurt on defense and deprived him time to build chemistry with star guard James Harden, whose acquisition at the trade deadline has raised title hopes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Guests can participate in coral reef restoration, ecological monitoring and other hands-on initiatives that help decrease The Nam Hai’s environmental footprint.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The agency waived age limits for new recruits, relaxed its vetting process, and decreased the training period for incoming officers.
    Oriana van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This was made possible in February 2025 when the Department of Education repealed a policy enacted by the previous administration that said the revenue must be distributed equally among the student-athletes.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Passed in 1996, Proposition 218 mandates voter approval for all local taxes, and provides voters an opportunity to repeal or reject taxes.
    City News Service, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Anyone who works overtime can deduct the overtime amount up to $12,500 for single filers or $25,000 for joint filers.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
  • From that, between $600 and $850 is deducted for the quota, along with additional payments for travel debt and communal living expenses, Kim said.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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