SUBSIDE Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'subside' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of subside are abate , ebb , and wane . While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation. // the protests subsided after a few days

Q: When can 'abate' be used instead of 'subside'?

While the synonyms abate and subside are close in meaning, abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing. // the storm abated

Q: When is 'ebb' a more appropriate choice than 'subside'?

The words ebb and subside are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'wane' instead of 'subside'?

Although the words wane and subside have much in common, wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive. // waning enthusiasm

subside

verb

səb-ˈsīd

Definition of subside next

as in to diminish

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually as the noise of the siren subsided, I was able to fall back to sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word subside distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of subside are abate, ebb, and wane. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

When can abate be used instead of subside?

While the synonyms abate and subside are close in meaning, abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

When is ebb a more appropriate choice than subside?

The words ebb and subside are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 wane instead of subside?

Although the words wane and subside have much in common, 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 subside The net was removed in August after the craze subsided. —

Chris Lau, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025 The uproar didn’t subside when the 12-team field was revealed on Dec. 8. —

Jon Wilner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Even so, Reynolds felt a connection and interest in the role that wouldn’t subside over the long development period. —

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025 Although rains are expected to subside Sunday evening into Monday, flash-flood and mudslide risks for the wildfire burn scar areas will persist through Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. —

Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for subside

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subside

Verb

This has less to do with a diminishing talent pool than a changing industry where the lines between Corman’s world and Hollywood at large became more sharply drawn.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025
Although his output had diminished, from an availability and form perspective, Villa valued him higher than Douglas Luiz or Diaby and with greater scope for improvement.

— Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025