decaying 1 of 3

noun

Definition of decayingnext
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body the decaying of the bone mass that is so regrettably common in elderly women

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decaying

2 of 3

adjective

1
as in ramshackle

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2
as in dying

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decaying

3 of 3

verb

present participle of decay
1
as in rotting
to go through decomposition the logs decayed on the rain forest floor the atom of plutonium decayed in the test chamber

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2
as in deteriorating
to become worse or of less value the restaurant's standards for food and service had decayed over the years

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3
as in fading
to lose bodily strength or vigor having reached her 80s, the woman could sense that her body was decaying

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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 decaying
Verb
The It alum underwent yet another dramatic transformation for his latest role, including prosthetics to give him decaying skin, protruding cheekbones, and an altogether frightening look. — Shania Russell, EW.com, 5 Jan. 2025 But in the city’s old neighborhoods, nothing seems to have changed apart from new street signs that have been posted incongruously on decaying buildings and market stalls. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decaying
  1. deterioration
  2. ramshackle
  3. rotting
  4. deteriorating
  5. decay
  6. rickety
  7. crumbling
  8. weakening
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
Definition of deterioration
Adjective
  • Wide public spaces and malls replace the ramshackle markets.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • And there was an uninsulated, ramshackle garden shed of less than 100 square feet that Ms. Prentiss imagined could be used as a writing studio.
    — Tim McKeough, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of ramshackle
Verb
  • Then came the yacht’s renaissance by her father, who saw beauty and sailing prowess inside a rotting hull.
    — Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Rotting Flesh and the Skeleton Underneath Eggers wanted the audience almost to smell the rotting flesh when the sarcophagus is flipped open.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 2 Jan. 2025
Definition of rotting
Verb
  • Her body is deteriorating in front of us, and yet my daughter and her vet say, if (the dog) looks happy, leave her be.
    — Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024
  • With the relationship between the two companies deteriorating, Qualcomm may have to consider using another architecture before its ALA expires in 2033.
    — Jim McGregor, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of deteriorating
Noun
  • And these beverages also contribute to tooth decay.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
  • One recent exhibit displayed a series of rough-hewn public fountains that evoked post-apocalyptic decay.
    — Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of decay
Adjective
  • Griff's was a cozy space inside with a small, rickety wooden patio in the front and a larger one in the back.
    — Brianna Griff, Chron, 13 Jan. 2023
  • Instead of rickety outdoor patios with plastic partitions, diners mostly ate in dining rooms.
    — Nick Kindelsperger, Chicago Tribune, 28 Dec. 2022
Definition of rickety
Verb
  • This stylish planter keeps plants well-watered and is virtually indestructible, designed to resist cracking and crumbling even in freezing temperatures.
    — Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Since gaining public recognition in 2013, a spate of crumbling buildings in Ireland has been known as the mica crisis or scandal.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of crumbling
Verb
  • Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025
  • With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.
    — Jason Schenker, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of weakening

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“Decaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decaying. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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