What is another word for bates?

Common synonyms for bates include bat, flutter, lick, bate, clobber.

What is the opposite of bates?

Antonyms of bates include advance, progress, forward, improve, develop.

Synonyms for

Bates

Verb / beɪts / Another word for bates — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to reduce the strength or force of something

Synonyms & similar words

bat flutter lick bate clobber cream thrash drub lessen diminish weaken dampen decrease mitigate moderate soften subdue relieve alleviate abate attenuate pacify calm quell soothe appease allay

Synonyms by register

Formal

escalate intensify heighten aggravate

Informal

worsen get worse heat up step up

Literary

foment exacerbate

Antonyms

advance progress forward improve develop escalate

Common collocations

bates the situation
bates the conflict
bates the tension
bates the rivalry
bates the dispute
bates the problem

Word family

verb bate

Usage note

The word 'bate' is an archaic verb meaning to make something worse or more intense. It is rarely used in modern English, with 'aggravate' or 'escalate' being more common alternatives.