ebb

[eb] / ɛb /

NOUN

regression; decline

Synonyms

STRONG

abatement backflow decay decrease degeneration depreciation deterioration diminution drop dwindling flagging lessening recession reflux retreat shrinkage sinking slackening subsidence sweep wane waning weakening withdrawal

WEAK

fading away going out low tide low water outward flow petering out refluence retrocession retroflux

Antonyms

STRONG

advance development enlargement expansion growth improvement increase

WEAK

flow incline rise

VERB

subside; decline

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abate degenerate deteriorate die down die out diminish dwindle ease off fall away fall back lessen melt peter out recede shrink slacken wane weaken

STRONG

decay decrease drop fall flag languish moderate relent retire retreat sink withdraw

WEAK

fade away flow back go out let up retrocede

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend forge forward grow improve increase prolong raise rise strengthen

STRONG

advance ascend build flourish

WEAK

flow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“There is a lot of ebb and flow in the garden,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Deflation is starting to ebb, he points out.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

Wars ebb and flow, and right now Ukraine's facing a harsh tide.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Finally, Mr. Muhly’s conclusion, a gorgeous early-music-infused quartet for Death, offers consolation in an ebb and flow that feels like breathing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

And I understood just what we would do for each other, just what we would do for the ebb and pull of the dream, the bigger dream that held us all.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

ebb

Example Sentences

Related Words