Synonyms of decadence

decadence

noun

ˈde-kə-dən(t)s 

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

• deterioration
• degradation
• decline
• declination
• descent
• degeneracy
• downfall
• degeneration
• ebb
• fall
• destruction
• devolution
• eclipse
• decay
• decrease
• reduction
• declension
• downgrade
• dissolution
• dégringolade
• disintegration
• drop
• decomposition
• sunset
• loss
• crumbling
• debasement
• nadir
• dark age
• breakup
• abasement
• dip
• spoiling
• rotting
• slump
• depreciation
• diminution
• ruination
• havoc
• demolition
• downturn
• deflation
• shrinkage
• desolation
• decimation
• ruin
• lessening
• diminishment
• lowering
• sag
• falloff
• abatement
• decrement
• downtrend
• demolishment
• slip
• downslide
• drop-off
• de-escalation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rise
• growth
• development
• evolution
• ascent
• advancement
• flowering
• upswing
• restoration
• renewal
• revitalization
• increase
• addition
• enhancement
• flourishing
• blossoming
• gain
• increment
• augmentation
• accrual
• accretion
• boost
• supplement
• raise
• heightening
• addendum

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

• degradation
• corruption
• corruptness
• dissoluteness
• turpitude
• decadency
• debasement
• degeneracy
• perversion
• abjection
• dissipation
• sinfulness
• libertinism
• demoralization
• debauchery
• depravity
• libertinage
• degeneration
• rakishness
• evil
• immorality
• villainy
• degenerateness
• pervertedness
• dissipatedness
• wickedness
• squalor
• filth
• gangrene
• rot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• virtue
• morality
• goodness
• righteousness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun decadence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decadence are decline, degeneration, and deterioration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

How are the words decline and decadence related?

Decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

When could degeneration be used to replace decadence?

The words degeneration and decadence can be used in similar contexts, but degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When might deterioration be a better fit than decadence?

The words deterioration and decadence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decadence

The Chocolate Praline Stout doubles down on decadence. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

Not for the sake of chaos, but to drive out the institutional decadence that has failed ordinary Americans for decades. —Michael Catanzaro, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2025

European cinema helped to produce much of summer noir’s lexicon of themes, settings, and archetypes: Its fascination with the storied decadence of the leisure class—and the profligate rituals of the seasonal tourist—appeared in earlier film satires by Jean Renoir and Jacques Tati. —Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025

Wrapped in a rich, swirling burl wood veneer with a high-gloss finish accented with bold, oversized circular brass pulls, its vibe is very disco-era decadence. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025