1
: the reflux of the tide toward the sea
2
: a point or condition of decline
our spirits were at a low ebb
ebbed; ebbing; ebbs
1
: to recede from the flood
2
: to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state
his popularity ebbed
Synonyms
Examples of ebb in a Sentence
Noun
Morale seems to have reached its lowest ebb.
a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country
Verb
waiting for the tide to ebb
the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed
Recent Examples on the Web
Scott Rosenberg, Axios, 17 July 2024
Greenfield’s documentary ends with the couple at their lowest financial ebb, though Chenoweth’s rousing Act 1 closer, defying the gravity of their plight, confirms that her personal movie is far from over.
—Gordon Cox, Variety, 2 Aug. 2024
Henry Flynn, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024
But that kind of success snorkeling for scallops along the coast could ebb soon — with Hurricane Debby possibly taking some of the blame.
—Siena Duncan, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ebb 
Noun
The bottom line: With Trump's fortunes at a high ebb right now, don't be surprised to see more tech execs join his corner.
—Scott Rosenberg, Axios, 17 July 2024
Greenfield’s documentary ends with the couple at their lowest financial ebb, though Chenoweth’s rousing Act 1 closer, defying the gravity of their plight, confirms that her personal movie is far from over.
—Gordon Cox, Variety, 2 Aug. 2024
Verb
Since leaving northern France, his impressive ratio has ebbed away.
—Henry Flynn, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024
But that kind of success snorkeling for scallops along the coast could ebb soon — with Hurricane Debby possibly taking some of the blame.
—Siena Duncan, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ebb
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ebb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ebb
Cite this Entry
“Ebb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ebb. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ebb
1 of 2 noun1
: the flow away from the shore of seawater brought in by the tide
2
: a passing from a high to a low point
our spirits were at a low ebb
also
: the time of such a passing
ebb
2 of 2 verb1
: to recede from the flood
2
: to fall from a higher level or better state : weaken
her strength ebbed
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