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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 For taxpayers who missed payroll or excise tax deposit deadlines between February 15, 2025, and March 3, 2025, penalties will be abated as long as deposits are made by March 3, 2025. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 In 2021, the Kansas City City Council approved a tax incentive package for the project, abating 75% of its property tax bill for 10 years and then 37.5% for 15 more. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2025 This year, the district was considering abating about $98,150, which would have been a savings of about $2 to $3 per household, Superintendent Dan Bridges said. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 Back in Kolkata, the noise has started to abate on the Maidan. Rory Smith, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate
Verb
  • But much of that has subsided now; the Steelers, after all, don’t have a second-round pick and trading up could be out of the question as a result.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025
  • While immediate inflation concerns have subsided, the current administration's aggressive tariff and immigration policies are creating new economic anxieties that could lead to future instability.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The goal of this prescribed burn is to decrease the existing fire hazard and to prevent and reduce the impact of future fires in the area.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Keeping yourself hydrated and reducing your salt intake may also help reduce bloating and help your body rid itself of excess fluid. Types of Creatine Several types of creatine are used in supplements.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • France belatedly abolished slavery in 1848 in its remaining colonies of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Réunion and French Guyana, which are still territories of France today.
    Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The Legislature eliminated parole for nearly everyone imprisoned for crimes committed after Aug. 1, making Louisiana the 17th state in a half-century to abolish parole altogether and the first in 24 years to do so.
    Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While this context might not subtract from the beauty of the film, audiences today are approaching it with a distinct lens.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Residents there would have $1,770 left over after subtracting money for their monthly expenditures.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This blockage deprives brain tissue of vital oxygen and nutrients, which causes brain cells to die within minutes.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Bender also was excluded from these teams, which deprived her of the opportunity to inherit assets and boost her career or retirement benefits, according to the suit.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The number of Jesuits globally has steadily decreased since the 1960s, when there were more than 36,000.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The question is whether the Trump administration is entitled to repeal a rule that was upheld specifically by the Supreme Court and therefore subject to precedent, said Patrick Parenteau, an emeritus professor at the Vermont Law and Graduate School who has handled endangered species cases.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In the last two weeks, Trump issued an executive order directing agencies to sunset every existing energy regulation by next year and, in a separate memorandum, said those agencies may repeal certain regulations without allowing the public to weigh in.
    Nichola Groom and Valerie Volcovici, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In that instance, the amount of the loss that can be deducted is limited to the taxpayer's basis in the property.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Agents were to deduct a 10% commission before disbursement.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abate. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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