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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
  • This industry is the major culprit in the bay’s deterioration.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
  • In the fourth quarter, revenues were up 2 percent at constant exchange rates, returning to growth after several quarters of deterioration, mainly thanks to the improvement recorded by the wholesale channel.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 13 Feb. 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
  • The unaccountable bureaucracy and bloated government that find a home there, and the public and private corruption that go along with them, face serious scrutiny and genuine antagonism for the first time in a while.
    Jack Butler, National Review, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Supporters hope the ex-governor can find success as a moderate with a tough-guy reputation, big name recognition and an ability to bring stability to city government amid Adams’ federal corruption indictment and Trump’s threats to the city.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 1 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 15 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decadence

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