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

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 subside At noon, Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazon, seemed to downplay the crisis by saying the storm was subsiding, contradicting the warnings of emergency services. —

Atika Shubert, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024 While the rain had subsided in Valencia by late Wednesday morning, Spain's national weather service forecast more storms through Thursday, according to The Associated Press. —

David Hodari, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024 The one con: the bag had a pretty distinct smell upon arrival and took some time to subside. —

Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024 But as the military presence in Kinmen subsided, the island pivoted toward tourism. —

Jan Camenzind Broomby, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subside

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subside

Verb

As new ways become familiar, employees recognize their advantages, and resistance gradually diminishes.

Peter Follows, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Black Lives Matter is severely diminished as an institution.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024