Definition of abatenext
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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 But three weeks in, the conflict shows no sign of abating. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 While countless music documentaries about hundreds of artists have been made in the decade since streaming took hold, the appetite for them does not seem to be abating and Netflix has produced dozens of them. Jem Aswad, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026 In addition to thwarting complications, glues and netting can also abate bruising and swelling after facelift surgery, curtailing patients’ recovery. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 16 Mar. 2026 The cross-border clashes mark the deadliest fighting between neighbors, showing no signs of abating despite ceasefire efforts by China and Turkey. Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abate
Verb
  • Tony Buxton, a climate and energy attorney at a legal and lobbying firm in Maine, told the WSJ that opposition to AI data centers in the state is unlikely to subside.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Efstathopoulos expects the speech to further fuel the risk-off sentiment as investors wait for uncertainty to subside.
    Anniek Bao,Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Protective styles like low buns or braids can also reduce frizz throughout the day.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In her tenure, Colorado has taken major steps to increase price transparency, reduce hospital and prescription drug costs, and hold the health care industry accountable.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the four and a half decades since France abolished the death penalty, the guillotine itself has rarely been seen.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • If holistic admissions were abolished (and admissions were based solely on grades, curricular rigor and test scores), the percentage of students with parents in the top 1% of income would drop by more than a third.
    David Blobaum, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Points are awarded by zone, from 0 to 5; gutter balls subtract a point, while a ball that kisses the stake earns a perfect 10.
    Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Add up the costs of your basic needs; then subtract that sum from your income.
    Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Bondi cut off the American Bar Association’s access to judicial nominees for the first time in 72 years, depriving the Senate of an independent opinion on their qualifications.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
  • This criminal organization deprived them of that peace of mind.
    Dan Snyder, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
  • As the war in Iran rages on, both rising oil prices and consumers’ decreasing desire to jet-set in uncertain times hang like a dark cloud over the industry, threatening to upend air travel across the world.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In an effort to offset the costs, the bill repeals multiple tax credits, including those for teleworking expenses, electric and hybrid vehicles, and medical equipment manufacturers.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Six months after Broward County’s Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) voted to repeal restrictions on remote virtual inspections, the transformation is becoming a reality.
    Ian Cohen, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Anyone who works overtime can deduct the overtime amount up to $12,500 for single filers or $25,000 for joint filers.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
  • From that, between $600 and $850 is deducted for the quota, along with additional payments for travel debt and communal living expenses, Kim said.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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