decadent

adjective dec·a·dent \ ˈde-kə-dənt also di-ˈkā- \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of decadent

1 : characterized by or appealing to self-indulgence

a rich and decadent dessert

the hotel's decadent luxury

2 : marked by decay or decline

an increasingly decadent society

3 literature : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a group of late 19th century French and English writers tending toward artificial and unconventional subjects and subtilized style : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the decadents (see ²decadent 1)

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decadently

adverb

See decadent defined for English-language learners

Examples of decadent in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of decadent from the Web

This shared market contains all-vegan fare, from Southern comfort food from Dixie Dharma to decadent sweets from Valhalla Bakery.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando Pride star Alex Morgan's favorite Orlando vegan eats," 9 Apr. 2018
For a decadent treat, Buitrago suggests serving her pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

— claire perez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Pie contestants serve love in every slice," 6 Apr. 2018
Trust is a story about the corruption of wealth and the fraying bonds of family, a world where rot and decay lie just behind the decadent frescos and shimmering gold leaf.

— anna silman, The Cut, "Brendan Fraser Is Giving the Most Delightful Performance on TV Right Now," 1 Apr. 2018
Long after the Central African Republic gained independence in 1960, French advisers remained in its ministries, overseeing decadent presidents whose repressive rule promised short-term stability but alienated Muslim areas.

— jack losh, Washington Post, "Rebels in the Central African Republic are filling the void of an absent government," 26 Mar. 2018
Her Instagram is a collage of decadent close-up shots and a daily reminder that age ain’t nothing but a number.

— andrea alonso, Los Angeles Magazine, "12 L.A. Bakers and Pastry Chefs to Follow on Instagram Right Now," 20 Mar. 2018
Guests noted a delicious Oscar irony amid the live auction: While Hollywood stars starved themselves to squeeze into size 00 Oscar gowns, slender Smuin dancers whipped up decadent desserts for bid at a live auction.

— catherine bigelow, San Francisco Chronicle, "Smuin dancers moonlight as bakers for gala," 13 Mar. 2018
Place: Beverly Wilshire Hotel Spread: Guests sat at long white tables and enjoyed a decadent three course lunch.

— ramona saviss, The Hollywood Reporter, "2018 Oscars Party Diary: Inside the A-List Parties and Events (Updating)," 1 Mar. 2018
Rath and Ritter get caught up in a complex noir plot involving murders, a decadent flapper club, and an underground pornography ring.

— lincoln michel, GQ, "Babylon Berlin Is the Best Historical Drama on Netflix," 17 Feb. 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.

Did You Know?

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.

Origin and Etymology of decadent

back-formation from decadence

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1837

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

decadent Synonyms

decadent

noun

Definition of decadent

1 literature : one of a group of late 19th century French and English writers tending toward artificial and unconventional subjects and subtilized style

2 : one that is marked by decay or decline : one that is decadent (see ¹decadent 2)

Examples of decadent in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of decadent from the Web

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
Endless gorgeous layers of flavor and aroma — raisin, plum, toffee, caramel, molasses, maple and vanilla — merge into one decadent, yet tidy conclusion.

— josh noel, chicagotribune.com, "Revolution winds up barrel-aged series with 3 more beers Friday — and aims even higher in 2018," 11 Jan. 2018
Although Araujo, Cummins, and the wedding party were not seated at the head table this past Saturday, there was more than enough seating in the hotel’s garden pavilion and decadent eats for all those guests who received an impromptu invitation.

— michelle darrisaw, Southern Living, "Bride-to-Be Turns $30,000 Dream Wedding Into Glamorous Dinner for the Homeless," 18 July 2017
Although Araujo, Cummins, and the wedding party were not seated at the head table this past Saturday, there was more than enough seating in the hotel’s garden pavilion and decadent eats for all those guests who received an impromptu invitation.

— michelle darrisaw, Southern Living, "Bride-to-Be Turns $30,000 Dream Wedding Into Glamorous Dinner for the Homeless," 19 July 2017
The bitterness from the 10 percent alcohol, roasted barley and strong hop presence balances with the decadent, over-the-top sweetness of the cookie.

— john frank, The Denver Post, "Ditch the milk — here are three beers that pair perfectly with cookies," 7 Feb. 2017