Definition of DECADENT

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.

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

Asada-style portobello tacos offer a light lunch, while the prime rib French dip leans decadent. — Garrett Snyder, Los Angeles Magazine, "3 New L.A. Restaurants You Have to Try This June," 31 May 2018 Just the right amount of queso fresco is distributed throughout, lending a richness while not allowing the dish to become too decadent. — Lindsey Mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "For breakfast (or any other meal) you can't go wrong at North End Cafe," 23 May 2018 There was a massive on-site crawfish boil, served with corn and generous globs of butter, as well jambalaya and beer—an appropriately decadent feast for a pre-Mardi Gras party. — Bridget Hallinan, Condé Nast Traveler, "Recap: Anthony Bourdain's 'Parts Unknown' Goes to Cajun Country," 18 June 2018 Last, but certainly not least, the granddaddy of decadent dishes at Disneyland Resort is this appetizer at Lamplight Lounge, which opens June 23 in the space of the former Ariel’s Grotto restaurant on Pixar Pier. — Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "15 must-try foods at Disneyland and Disney California parks this summer," 13 June 2018 The bakery is a South Side favorite, known for its decadent caramel cake and Obama cake, made with chocolate, yellow and red velvet cake and topped with chocolate drizzled pecans. — Grace Wong, chicagotribune.com, "Eataly opens beach-inspired restaurant, plus other restaurant news," 26 June 2018 In the hands of creators Steven Canals and Ryan Murphy, TV again struts ever forward; the two are serving up a bold, decadent, delicious thing. — Jason Parham, WIRED, "With Pose, Prestige TV Becomes Resistance TV," 1 June 2018 Under $20: Big, soft blankets for snuggling There's something so decadent about cranking up the AC in the dead of summer and hiding under a big, warm blanket. — Samantha Gordon, USA TODAY, "Here are the 5 best Amazon deals right now," 9 July 2018 Food & Drink Circa ’62 at the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek A quaint inn uphill from Route 1 serves a decadent brunch. — Jody Rosen, Smithsonian, "This Secret Corner of California Is a Paradise for Lovers of Great Food and Top-Notch Wines," 14 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.