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The Clue

Abates (4 letter answer)

The Answer

EBBS

Tags

Notes

The answer EBBS is seen frequently, appearing about once every 130 puzzles.

Related Clues

Declines
Dwindles
Fades
Falls
Flags
Lessens
Recedes
Refluxes
Retrocedes
Subsides
Wanes
Weakens
Withdraws
Diminishes gradually
Drifts away
Fades away
Falls back
Falls off
Flows back
Flows' partner
Goes back
Goes down
Goes out
Gradually declines
Inverse of "floods"
Points of decline
Sags or flags
Pulls back
Falls back, as a tide
Flows out, as the tide
Goes back to sea?

Definition

EBB as a noun:

1. (ebb, ebbing, wane) = a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
2. (ebb, reflux) = the outward flow of the tide

EBB as a verb:

1. (ebb, ebb away, ebb down, ebb out, ebb off) = flow back or recede; "the tides ebbed at noon"
2. hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb
3. fall away or decline; "The patient's strength ebbed away"