the flowing back of the tide as the water returns to the sea ( opposed to flood , flow ).

a flowing backward or away; decline or decay

the ebb of a once great nation.

a point of decline

His fortunes were at a low ebb.

to flow back or away, as the water of a tide ( opposed to flow ).

to decline or decay; fade away

His life is gradually ebbing.

noun

flow , incline , increase , rise

verb

flow , increase , rise

noun

abatement , backflow , decay , decrease , degeneration , depreciation , deterioration , diminution , drop , dwindling , fading away , flagging , going out , lessening , low tide , low water , outward flow , petering out , recession , refluence , reflux , retreat , retrocession , retroflux , shrinkage , sinking , slackening , subsidence , sweep , wane , waning , weakening , withdrawal , letup , remission

verb

abate , decay , decrease , degenerate , deteriorate , die down , die out , diminish , drop , dwindle , ease off , fade away , fall , fall away , fall back , flag , flow back , go out , languish , lessen , let up , melt , moderate , peter out , recede , relent , retire , retreat , retrocede , shrink , sink , slacken , wane , weaken , withdraw , drain , peter , rebate , reduce , tail away , taper , retract , retrograde , retrogress , bate , die , ease , fall off , lapse , remit , slack off , decline , diminution , reflux , regression , return , subside , tide