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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 Food Our Tarts, Ourselves Chris Randle Butter tarts are strangely modest in their excess, a two-dollar decadence. hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 The brutalism of The Brutalist fits millennial, anti-Western decadence. Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2025 The decadence is liberating, the lack of inhibitions is liberating. James Factora, Them, 5 Sep. 2024 Yet the overall decadence of the drink remains the same. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
  • His environmental project launched the Institute’s research via an extensive study of the relationship between business practices and environmental deterioration.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Shot over five tumultuous years, the film traces Noam’s journey in tandem with the region’s steady deterioration.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Warming is also altering rain patterns, accelerating droughts, facilitating the spread of devastating diseases like pod rot, and contributing to soil degradation.
    Ayurella Horn-Muller, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Finding the right chemistry The degradation of battery performance is largely a matter of its key components gradually dropping out of use within the battery.
    John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Why Leaders Are Resigning: The Three Critical Factors Erosion Of Trust in Leadership The report shows that only 29% of employees trust their immediate managers—a dramatic decline.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • In total, German exports added up to 1.56 trillion euros last year, a 1.2% decline compared with 2023.
    ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The mayor has been under sharp scrutiny since President Trump’s Department Justice Department last week ordered prosecutors in his federal corruption case to drop the criminal charges against him.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Four senior deputies to New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced their resignations Monday after the Justice Department moved to dismiss his corruption case.
    Zach Halaschak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.
    WWD, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
  • Thomas said the sheriff's office presented the case to the district attorney's office for declination purposes only because of Suff's prior convictions and death sentence.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • Three large parachutes slow its descent to facilitate a safe touchdown.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The Moon lacks an atmosphere to help spacecraft slow down during descent.
    Kristin Shaw, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decadence

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