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

History tells us Los Blancos are often most dangerous with their backs against the wall, so calling Real’s slump in results a crisis would be an overstatement, even if the wealth of superstars is at a low ebb (Spanish). —

Henry Flynn, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 History has shown that pitchers who throw heat at the top of the zone and hunt for K’s tend to burn out pitching in Denver, and as their velocity ebbs, they get hit hard. —

Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 4 Sep. 2024

Verb

While the rates have since ebbed, many homeowners are feeling still a little burnt by the market. —

Chloe Berger, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2024 This affectionate and humorous look at an ebbing tradition premieres Friday on Apple TV+, also opening the same date on one Laemmle screen in Los Angeles. —

Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ebb

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ebb

Noun

The Chinese ruling party's past anxieties over regime security played a significant role in the rapid deterioration of the bilateral relationship.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The deterioration in Volkswagen’s prospects point to worsening conditions in the private sector in Germany.

Hanna Ziady, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024