Abatements are reductions or diminishing of something, often referring to a lessening of intensity or severity. Synonyms for abatements include mitigation, subsiding, easing, moderation, decrease, dulling, calming, alleviation, pacification, tempering, and attenuation. Abatements can refer to the lessening of anything from physical symptoms to emotional distress to political tension. In construction, abatements refer to enhancing or decreasing the sound or vibration from a building and bring acoustic comfort. The term is commonly used in legal and environmental contexts in reference to fines, taxes, and pollution. Understanding the various synonyms for abatements can help bring clarity in the way we communicate and explain issues concerning the reduction of things.