ebb
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for ebb, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The falling back of the tide as it moves away from the shore.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use ebb
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English ebba, referring to the outgoing tide — ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "off" or "away," the same idea behind the modern word "of."
Full origin of ebb →Frequently asked questions
What does “ebb” mean?
The word “ebb” means the falling back of the tide as it moves away from the shore. In plain terms, the pulling-back of a tide, or more generally a gradual weakening or fading of something.
How do you pronounce “ebb”?
“Ebb” is pronounced ehb (/ɛb/ in IPA).
How do you use “ebb” in a sentence?
Here is “ebb” used in a sentence: “We waited for the ebb before wading out to check the lobster pots.”
What is the opposite of “ebb”?
The opposite of “ebb” — its antonyms — are flood and flow.
What part of speech is “ebb”?
Depending on how it is used, “ebb” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ebb” come from?
The word “ebb” comes from Old English. From Old English ebba, referring to the outgoing tide — ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "off" or "away," the same idea behind the modern word "of.".
How many meanings does “ebb” have?
“Ebb” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the falling back of the tide as it moves away from the shore.