OpenSynonym

ebb

/ɛb/

NOUN

1. The receding movement of the tide

The movement of the sea away from the shore as the water level falls between high tide and low tide.

1.1. Ocean tides and coastal water movement

Refers to the natural retreat or outward movement of seawater from the shore during the falling phase of the tidal cycle.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The ocean's rhythmic dance showcased the graceful ebb and flow of the tide.
  • As the tide reached its ebb, the rocks and sand along the shoreline became exposed.

Related Words

  • tide
  • low tide
  • high tide
  • seawater
  • shoreline
  • coast
  • tidal current
  • ocean
  • tidal cycle

NOUN

2. A gradual decline or reduction

A gradual decrease in the amount, intensity, strength, activity, or influence of something over time.

2.1. Declining intensity and activity

Describes a gradual reduction in the strength, intensity, frequency, or level of an activity, feeling, or phenomenon.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • As the day waned, the energy in the room began to ebb away.
  • With each passing moment, the intensity of the storm seemed to ebb slightly, bringing a sense of relief to the anxious residents.
  • The gradual ebb of public interest eventually affected the popularity of the event.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A low or depressed state

A condition in which someone's emotions, energy, fortunes, or circumstances are at a particularly low or unfavorable level.

3.1. Emotional and psychological low points

Describes a period of low spirits, discouragement, reduced emotional strength, or diminished enthusiasm.

Synonyms

  • depression
  • low point
  • nadir
  • lull
  • low
  • despondency

Antonyms

Examples

  • After months of setbacks, the company reached the ebb of its fortunes.
  • His confidence was at its lowest ebb after repeated failures.
  • During the ebb of her enthusiasm, she struggled to maintain motivation.

Related Words

VERB

4. To flow backward or recede

To move backward or away from a particular place, especially referring to water moving away from the shore as the tide falls.

4.1. Tidal movement and water retreat

Describes seawater or another body of water moving backward or withdrawing from an area, particularly during the falling tide.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • As the tide began to ebb, the exposed rocks became visible along the beach.
  • The seawater ebbed away from the shoreline, revealing patches of wet sand.
  • The floodwaters slowly ebbed, allowing residents to return to their homes.

Related Words

  • tide
  • current
  • shoreline
  • seawater
  • backflow
  • withdrawal
  • low tide
  • tidal movement

VERB

5. To gradually decrease or weaken

To become progressively weaker, smaller, less intense, or less significant over time.

5.1. Diminishing intensity and strength

Used when emotions, energy, pain, enthusiasm, activity, or other conditions gradually lose their intensity or strength.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The healer sensed the subtle ebb of pain as the patient's condition improved.
  • With each passing moment, the intensity of the storm seemed to ebb slightly, bringing a sense of relief to the anxious residents.
  • Her enthusiasm for the project began to ebb after several disappointing setbacks.
  • As evening approached, the noise and activity in the busy marketplace gradually ebbed.

Related Words