EBB Synonyms: 205 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ebb 1 of 2

noun

ˈeb

Definition of ebb next

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ebb

2 of 2

verb

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to decrease

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually the howling winds ebbed as the hurricane moved into the interior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Trust from many supporters is at a low ebb and not simply because of the chaotic feel of the past two years or the sheer, dizzying number of professional footballers Chelsea now employ. —

Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 15 Aug. 2024 In the face of unexpected cold snaps, cross-continental networks that instantaneously balance the ebbs of wind power will also enhance the grid’s resiliency. —

Michael R. Davidson, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2021

Verb

While its dominance has ebbed, Tesla still has enough market heft in California and the US to lessen the impact of purchase subsidies on its business. —

Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024 Goth’s mainstream profile tends to ebb and surge, and the past few years have seen a new wave of macabre media that seems to be cresting this fall. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ebb

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebb

Noun

Coined as far back as 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the idea of mental deterioration from trivial distractions has never been more relevant.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Tedeschi credits Park Road with heroic work on the Maysles footage, which was delivered to them in various stages of deterioration.

Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024