degeneration

noun

di-ˌje-nə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce degeneration (audio)
Definition of degenerationnext
1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level the organization's degeneration from a movement for political reform to just another political party

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weakening
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body the troubling degeneration of his memory since he reached middle age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior the general degeneration that characterized so many old mining towns, which had only drinking and gambling for entertainment

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun degeneration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of degeneration are decadence, decline, and deterioration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When can decadence be used instead of degeneration?

Although the words decadence and degeneration have much in common, 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 as synonyms of degeneration?

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

In what contexts can deterioration take the place of degeneration?

The words deterioration and degeneration 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 degeneration During the ruckus, Blake is gashed by the beast, beginning his gradual transformation and degeneration into a Wolf Man. — Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025 How to know if your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis Stiffness and difficulty getting up are some of the common signs a dog suffers from osteoarthritis, which the ASPCA defines as inflammation and degeneration in the joint. — Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024 The native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, was diagnosed with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a disease that causes vision loss due to a degeneration of the optic nerve. — Candace Oehler, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 Without enough magnesium, your body cannot regulate its calcium levels, potentially resulting in peripheral nerve degeneration. — Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for degeneration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneration
  1. deterioration
  2. degradation
  3. decline
  4. decay
  5. corruption
  6. declination
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
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
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • In Florida, nearly all 67 counties saw a decline in childhood immunizations among kindergartners since COVID came in 2020, state data shows.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
  • In the late nineteenth century, the Ottoman Empire, fearing decline, pursued modernizing reforms.
    — Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of decline
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
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
Definition of corruption
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
Definition of declination

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Cite this Entry

“Degeneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degeneration. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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