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

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 The geopolitical problems in the Middle East and with the Russia-Ukraine war also haven't abated at all. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 Low-frequency noise is abated slightly while higher frequencies are further blocked out. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026 Although the oil market largely dodged a bullet after a successful but repairable attack on Saudi Arabia’s crucial East-West pipeline, the recent attacks prove that the conflict isn’t abating anytime soon. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 If the histrionics coming out of Washington are any indication, the discord won’t abate soon. — Chris Park, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate

Verb

This means rough surf, beach erosion, and coastal flooding will slowly subside at the beaches through the weekend.

— Steven Sosna, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Goldman Sachs also found that hedge funds sold tech stocks at a record pace last week, suggesting future selling pressure may subside.

— Sean Conlon, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of subside

Verb

Integrating the interceptor into existing launch infrastructure could reduce the need for extensive equipment changes.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
People can donate clean costumes and pick a new one, reducing waste and the resources and emissions required to make new ones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduce

Verb

Other New York literati, like Camille Paglia, expressed similar views and endorsed the organization’s goal of abolishing the age of consent.

— Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
The Book of Revelation tells us, sort of, the Antichrist will abolish financial freedom.

— David Gibson, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

The Russian nighttime barrage hit 28 substations and other critical energy facilities, depriving more than a half-million people of electricity, heat and running water, Zelenskyy said on social media.

— SAMYA KULLAB, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Disqualifying both lists would have deprived the vast majority of Palestinian voters of their preferred political representation.

— Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of deprive

Verb

Telecom stocks — Shares of AT & T and T-Mobile fell more than 5% each, while Verizon shares decreased 1% on a Bloomberg News report that SpaceX is in private talks to lease 80,000 cell towers.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
As technology has advanced, launch costs have decreased, and satellites have become more efficient, smaller and cheaper to build.

— David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of decrease

Verb

Federal policy now allows businesses to deduct domestic research costs immediately, leaving more capital available for engineers, prototypes, and equipment.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Participants earned up to five points for sitting and five for rising with points deducted for losing balance or using a hand, knee, forearm or side of the leg for support.

— Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of deduct

Browse Nearby Words

abasing

abate

abated

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Style

“Abate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of abate

verb

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