as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
in the years following the closing of the last textile mill, the town atrophied
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as in degeneration
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of atrophy
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
If it’s not exercised, left to right, top to bottom, atrophy sets in.
—Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
That episode drives home how deeply the oversight capacities of the American system have atrophied in its wake.
—Chris Lehmann, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Verb
Prolonged screen sessions frequently coincide with a more sedentary lifestyle, which elevates the risk of muscle atrophy, eye strain, and cardiovascular complications.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
If it’s not exercised, left to right, top to bottom, atrophy sets in.
—Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
The real-life consequences of automation atrophying human critical skills are already well-established.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
That episode drives home how deeply the oversight capacities of the American system have atrophied in its wake.
—Chris Lehmann, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atrophy
Verb
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Officials chose Dillow for closure because the building’s condition was rapidly deteriorating due to a water leak.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Sep. 2025
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Farley, a former New York City health commissioner who teaches at Tulane University, acknowledged that many factors contribute to falls, including the physical impairments and deteriorating eyesight associated with advancing age; alcohol abuse; and tripping hazards in people’s homes.—
Paula Span,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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And, based on MRI scans taken at the beginning and end of the study, the intervention group appeared to have slower degeneration of cartilage in their knees.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
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The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration describes FTD as a group of brain disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain that affect behavior, language and movement, according to The Associated Press.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Rizzo declined to comment on any potential campaign, pointing to ongoing efforts to strike down the map.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
25 Sep. 2025
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Energy demands around the world are rising, and with the increasing impacts of climate change and the declining efficiency of existing infrastructure, the situation is likely to worsen.—
Lauren Giella,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Mahama’s installations, which say something about societal deterioration, also dramatize the country’s inability to sustain robust funding in the arts or technology in its postindependence years.—
Edna Bonhomme,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
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Indeed, September’s deterioration doesn’t signal the first time the indicator has entered recession territory—it’s been there since February 2025—but marks a further step away from a healthy outlook over a prolonged period of time.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Last year, Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, reportedly filed a petition to modify the family’s parenting plan, citing his worsening mental health issues.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
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He’s been sedated for the most part since the crash, to prevent any additional physical exertion or agitation that could worsen his injuries.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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It is also naturally produced through the decay of other isotopes found in used nuclear fuel.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
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The two manage to thrive together amid the decay and disorder of their East Hampton, New York mansion, making for an eerily ramshackle echo of the American Camelot.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Perhaps most puzzling was coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense crumbling in the second half and overtime after three weeks of being arguably the league’s best defense.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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The defense then crumbled in the red zone for a hat trick of first-half scores.—
Mike Kaye
September 28,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The hurricane center said some gradual weakening is expected during the next couple of days as the storm continues to move in a general northeastward direction.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
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The meeting comes as the central bank is in a bit of a bind, given the recent uptick in inflation that has coincided with a weakening of the job market.—
Zev Fima,Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Atrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atrophy. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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