subside

American  

[suhb-sahyd] / səbˈsaɪd /

verb (used without object)

subsided, subsiding

1. to sink to a low or lower level.

   Synonyms:

   settle, descend, decline

   Antonyms:

   rise

2. to become quiet, less active, or less violent; abate.

   The laughter subsided.

   Synonyms:

   ebb, wane, lessen, diminish

   Antonyms:

   increase

3. to sink or fall to the bottom; settle; precipitate.

   to cause coffee grounds to subside.

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subside British  

/ səbˈsaɪd /

verb

1. to become less loud, excited, violent, etc; abate

2. to sink or fall to a lower level

3. (of the surface of the earth, etc) to cave in; collapse

4. (of sediment, etc) to sink or descend to the bottom; settle

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Other Word Forms

• nonsubsiding adjective
• subsidence noun
• subsider noun
• unsubsided adjective
• unsubsiding adjective

Etymology

Origin of subside

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin subsīdere, from sub- sub- + sīdere “to sit down, settle” ( sit ¹ )

Example Sentences

“Do you know how it feels to wake up in the morning and your back hurts so bad all you can do is just lay there until it subsides?”

From Los Angeles Times

"With policy risk not subsiding anytime soon," analysts at Charles Schwab wrote in a research note, "the bar for a pullback or mini correction in the beginning of 2026 is not terribly high."

From BBC

This blowout relieved the underground pressure, causing the ground to subside.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a result, rush purchases of equipment in anticipation of stricter regulations will subside in the short term.

From The Wall Street Journal

Closures will remain in place until rainfall subsides and crews can safely clear debris and reopen the roadways, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate
• descend
• diminish
• dwindle
• ease
• ease off
• ebb
• melt
• peter out
• recede
• slacken
• wane