1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level
a symbol of the decadence of their once-mighty civilization
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
clergymen striving to combat decadence and sin in their communities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decadence
The insistence on common sense in America, with its echo in Donald Trump’s rhetoric, had a peculiar moral dimension, almost as if the cultural health and vigor of this society depended on its not succumbing to the decadence of the Old World.
—
Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Director Kip Williams, the former director of the Sydney Theatre Company who brought the play from Australia to the West End and finally to New York, retrofits Oscar Wilde’s 1890 classic of vanity and decadence to a 2025 mindset and visual style.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
Each and every one also referred back to vintage as a kind of tuning fork of ideas: John was enthralled with the couture techniques of Vionnet and Charles James, with Savile Row tailoring, with 18th-century decadence spliced with London street culture.
—Amanda Harlech, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
Wan approaches ice cream with rigor—not like a pastry chef chasing decadence, but more like someone tuning an instrument.
—Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadence
Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Director Kip Williams, the former director of the Sydney Theatre Company who brought the play from Australia to the West End and finally to New York, retrofits Oscar Wilde’s 1890 classic of vanity and decadence to a 2025 mindset and visual style.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
Each and every one also referred back to vintage as a kind of tuning fork of ideas: John was enthralled with the couture techniques of Vionnet and Charles James, with Savile Row tailoring, with 18th-century decadence spliced with London street culture.
—Amanda Harlech, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
Wan approaches ice cream with rigor—not like a pastry chef chasing decadence, but more like someone tuning an instrument.
—Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
-
With deterioration continuing, a 2014 study recommended the entire span be replaced.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
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Corrosion is one of the leading causes of conventional RC infrastructure deterioration, often requiring extensive repairs and maintenance.—
Carol Cain,
Freep.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
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In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that projected coral reef degradation in Florida could increase the coastal flood risk to more than 7,300 people at the cost of $823.6 million annually.—
Rafe Pomerance,
Sun Sentinel,
6 July 2025
-
The administration cited the degradation of the current FBI complex as a reason for the move.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
Noun
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However, the revival of games like Brawl Stars proves that decline is not inevitable.—
Pawan Gaargi,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Rates out of China have still been falling as the demand declines persist, with weekly China-to-North America weekly prices falling 2 percent to $5.18 per kilogram, according to a July 24 update from Freightos.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Ken Paxton, who has served in his current role since 2015, was impeached in 2023 but later acquitted and faced allegations of corruption and taking part in an extramarital affair.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
11 July 2025
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The announcement comes nearly two years after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was acquitted on all 16 articles of impeachment related to allegations of corruption and abuse of office.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.—
Lisa Zornberg,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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The changing declination also defines the daily arc that the sun takes across the sky, thereby accounting for the length of daylight.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Fereshteh Hosseini, an Iranian actress of Afghan descent, was a natural choice for her role due to both her talent and presence.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
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Today, two-thirds of all Canadians of French descent can trace their lineage to one of these women, widely known as the filles du roi or the King’s Daughters.—
Ann Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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