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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun decadence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decadence are decline, degeneration, and deterioration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

How are the words decline and decadence related?

Decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

When could degeneration be used to replace decadence?

The words degeneration and decadence can be used in similar contexts, but degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When might deterioration be a better fit than decadence?

The words deterioration and decadence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of decadence Family and other guests sat at tables in golden chairs and took it all in, as the chandelier ceiling dripped with decadence. Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2024 Yoon is the first South Korean in modern times to refuse to reside at the centuries-old Blue House, decrying it as a symbol of imperial decadence, and instead controversially renovating the former Foreign Minister’s residence at great expense. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025 Nearly 50 years after his death, there are movies made, books written, and impersonators who perform everything from legit shows to Vegas weddings and, of course, dishes that pay homage to a man whose decadence was infamous. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025 Food Our Tarts, Ourselves Chris Randle Butter tarts are strangely modest in their excess, a two-dollar decadence. hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
  • Roads and bridges are designed with strict weight limits for a reason: excessive loads accelerate structural deterioration, leading to costly repairs and safety hazards.
    Ydanis Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to this, using excessive water or harsh chemical cleaners can then lead to moisture accumulation around window seals, which can potentially cause mould growth or deterioration of the frame around the windows.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Service degradation caused in some attacks has lasted multiple days, with some remaining ongoing as of the time this post went live.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Bristol Myers Squibb is leveraging AI and machine learning to advance protein degradation science.
    Tina Chakrabarty, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Associated Press pointed to the possibility of tariffs and a decline in consumer spending as the reasons for the earlier drop.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Chegg’s traffic plummeted 49% in January year-over-year, a sharp decline from the 8% drop in the second quarter last year, when Google released AI summaries.
    Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But Bondi is also overseeing cuts within her building, including to the Public Integrity Section that takes on corruption cases against public officials, according to multiple media reports and confirmed by a former Justice Department official.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Compassionate Release of Nick Bovis Nick Bovis, a former San Francisco restaurateur, pleaded guilty to Honest Services and Insurance Wire Fraud in a political corruption case.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In contrast, during 2016-16 the lunar declination varied from only 18.5 degrees north to 18.5 degrees south.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.
    WWD, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
  • The rare proximity to Kanye—who was just beginning his descent from the summit of pop culture—was covered by every outlet imaginable, including this one.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Phillis Wheatley, who wrote Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was the first American of African descent and the third colonial American woman to have her work published.
    Zaneilia Harris, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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