abated
/əˈbeɪtɪd/
VERB
1. Decreased in intensity or severity
Became less intense, strong, severe, or forceful, often gradually.
1.1. Weather and natural conditions
Used when a storm, wind, rain, heat, or other natural condition became weaker or less severe.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The storm abated before the rescue team returned to shore.
- The wind had abated by early morning.
- The heat abated after the sun went down.
Related Words
- storm
- wind
- rainfall
- severity
- intensity
1.2. Emotions, pain, and symptoms
Used when anger, fear, anxiety, pain, or physical symptoms became weaker or less noticeable.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- intensified
- worsened
- heightened
- increased
- aggravated
Examples
- Her anxiety abated once the examination was over.
- The pain abated after several hours of rest.
- His anger had not abated despite the apology.
Related Words
1.3. Noise, commotion, and public unrest
Used when noise, excitement, protests, or public disturbances became quieter or less intense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- intensified
- mounted
- escalated
- increased
- grew
Examples
- The crowd's cheering abated as the stadium emptied.
- The public uproar abated after officials explained the decision.
- The noise from the construction site abated toward evening.
Related Words
- commotion
- uproar
- disturbance
- protest
- crowd
1.4. Reduction or cancellation of charges and penalties
Used in legal, financial, or administrative contexts when a tax, fee, penalty, debt, or other imposed amount was reduced or canceled.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The court abated the penalty because of the exceptional circumstances.
- The late fee was abated after the billing error was confirmed.
- Some property taxes were abated under the local relief program.
Related Words
1.5. Reduction or removal of nuisances and hazards
Used when a nuisance, environmental hazard, or harmful condition was reduced, controlled, or eliminated through corrective action.
Synonyms
- mitigated
- alleviated
- reduced
- eliminated
- remedied
- suppressed
Antonyms
- aggravated
- worsened
- perpetuated
- intensified
- exacerbated
Examples
- The lead contamination was abated before the building reopened.
- The city required that the public nuisance be abated.
- Pollution levels abated after the factory installed new controls.