<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>the flowing back of the tide as the water returns to the sea (flood, flow).</li><li>a flowing backward or away; decline or decay: the ebb of a once great nation.</li><li>a point of decline: His fortunes were at a low ebb.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object):</strong></p><ul><li>to flow back or away, as the water of a tide (flow).</li><li>to decline or decay; fade away: His life is gradually ebbing.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms:</strong></p><ul><li>retire, recede, abate, subside</li><li>decrease, diminish, dwindle</li></ul>