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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 While chubby cats may look cute, obesity can shorten their life and expose them to elevated risks of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease and hypertension, osteoarthritis and faster degeneration of affected joints, urinary bladder stones, and anesthetic complications. Maria Azzurra Volpe, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 These issues, now understood as symptoms of EDS, were caused by the disorder's impact on connective tissues, leading to joint instability and degeneration over time. David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for degeneration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneration
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
  • Overly broad agent objectives introduce performance degradation, making debugging and optimization significantly more challenging.
    Rick Kelly, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Where everything seems more and more about degradation.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Target – whose RSI is 16.8 – lost about 9% this week, touching a 52-week low on Friday and bringing its year-to-date decline to nearly 23%.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Some believe that the back-and-forth movement on tariffs, associated stock market volatility, and marked declines in consumer confidence have set the stage for a significant economic downturn in America's future.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • One recent exhibit displayed a series of rough-hewn public fountains that evoked post-apocalyptic decay.
    Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
  • And these beverages also contribute to tooth decay.
    Katia Hetter, CNN, 13 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

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Cite this Entry

“Degeneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degeneration. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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