Definition of DECADENT

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To be decadent is to be in the process of decay, so a powerful nation may be said to be in a decadent stage if its power is fading. But the word is more often used to speak of moral decay. Ever since the Roman empire, we've tended to link Rome's fall to the moral decay of its ruling class, who indulged in extreme luxuries and unwholesome pleasures while providing the public with cruel spectacles such as the slaughter of the gladiators. But not everyone agrees on what moral decadence looks like (or even how it might have hastened the fall of Rome), though most people think it involves too many sensual pleasures—as, for instance, among the French and English poets and artists of the 1880s and ʼ90s called the Decadents. These days, for some reason, people have decided decadent is the way to describe rich chocolate cakes.

Examples of decadent in a Sentence

Adjective

The book condemns some of society's wealthiest members as decadent fools. a wealthy and decadent lifestyle a decadent hotel room, complete with a hot tub We relaxed in decadent luxury.

Noun

avant-garde artists who were scorned by the bourgeoisie as talentless decadents a decadent who squandered her once considerable family fortune

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

As New York transplant Michael Halpern continues to infiltrate the ranks of British high fashion, the 29-year-old designer is finding firm footing in glittering eveningwear that channels a decadent retro spirit. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "This Glamorous Spin on the Glitter Cat-Eye Is a New Party Scene-Stealer," 16 Sep. 2018 Harry and Meghan stayed at Heckfield Place, a secluded yet decadent countryside hotel in Hampshire that boasts outdoor amenities like gardens, a spa, organic farms, and woodlands for exploring, according to its website. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Took a Luxe Babymoon in the Countryside," 4 Apr. 2019 European breads, pastries, and cakes are prepared in the on-site bakery, as are decadent treats like Persian love cakes and Portuguese custard tarts. — Sophie Davies, Condé Nast Traveler, "15 Best Breakfasts (and Brunches!) in Sydney," 13 Mar. 2018 The table décor was decadent with black Anna Weatherley chargers, pink Richard Ginori plates, and gold flatware with colourful floral centrepieces by Rattiflora. — Tamara Abraham, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Epic Lake Como Wedding Had It All: An Alta Moda Photoshoot, Fireworks, and a Surprise Opera," 11 Apr. 2019 Some of the most popular options include deliciously fresh homemade biscuits, which are soft inside with slightly crunchy crusts, served with addictively decadent whipped maple brown butter (which is also great directly on the fried chicken). — Larry Olmsted, USA TODAY, "Incredible fried chicken in Indianapolis," 17 May 2018 What better way to treat yourself Easter morning than with a stack of decadent dulce de leche crunch pancakes? — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "30+ Restaurants Open on Easter Sunday," 29 Mar. 2018 The fresh berry Napoleon was a thing of beauty — strawberries and tuile layered with a decadent pudding-like cream to create a lovely balance. — Tim Smith, baltimoresun.com, "Barrett's Grill is no ordinary mall restaurant," 15 Mar. 2018 Save room for dessert which is often a decadent treat like a banana-and-white-chocolate bread pudding. — Gisela Williams, New York Times, "Five Places to Go in Bantam, Conn.," 20 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

New York has some significance for Saint Laurent — Yves threw a grand party here in the ’70s for Opium — and the city’s decadents of that era, from Lou Reed to the Studio 54 crowd, inspired Mr. Vaccarello’s new collection. — Matthew Schneier, New York Times, "If He Can Make It Here, He’ll Make It Anywhere," 7 June 2018 Wear a shiny solid one under your louchest suit (with or without a silk tie) or slip into a decadent, loose-fitting patterned one with, well, anything. — The Editors Of Gq Style, GQ, "Why the Silk Shirt Should Be Your Go-To Summer Style Move," 5 June 2018 Special for this year is a new array of decadent dipped berries with chocolate chips and pink shimmer sugar. — Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, "Give moms what they want more of this Mother's Day with these life hacks," 7 May 2018 Insider tip: The mac-nut cinnamon roll, dripping with icing ($5.25) is a decadent must for sweetaholics. — Rosemary Mcclure, latimes.com, "In Kauai, where to eat for cheap: 20 places to chow down for $20," 15 Apr. 2018 So eat your feelings with La Tur, a decadent, almost molten cheese that takes care of you and makes any bad day go away. — Alyse Whitney, Bon Appetit, "10 Valentine’s Day Pairings for Cheeses and Cheesy Rom-Coms," 12 Feb. 2018 Go for a Swim Jumping in a pool or a swimming hole during the rain simply feels decadent, like being in an outdoor spa. — Sami Emory, Outside Online, "Embrace the Rain," 27 Mar. 2018 Food specialties: Georgacopoulos said besides being known for the complimentary doughnuts, Juicy-O takes pride in their pancakes (classic buttermilk or decadent like the maple bacon bourbon) and savory dishes. — Jane Donahue, Naperville Sun, "Treat yourself to Juicy-O, including free doughnuts," 13 Mar. 2018 All four beers were worth the trip to Rocklin, especially the decadent yet drinkable imperial stouts, although Gallanosa is also considered a master of IPAs. — Daniel Barnes, sacbee, "One of San Diego's best brewers has moved to Sacramento. Here's why | The Sacramento Bee," 2 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decadent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.