1
as in degenerate
having lost forcefulness, courage, or spirit
social critics claimed that their culture had become decadent and weak
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in corrupt
having or showing lowered moral character or standards
opponents of gambling casinos claim that gambling is a decadent form of entertainment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in luxurious
given to or marked by excessive gratification of one's desires
the impressionable heiress couldn't resist the decadent temptations of the jet-set life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in pervert
a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard
avant-garde artists who were scorned by the bourgeoisie as talentless decadents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hedonist
a person whose life is devoted to luxury and sensual pleasures
a decadent who squandered her once considerable family fortune
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decadent
Michael Grynbaum, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Executive producer Eva Longoria told the Miami Herald the iconic property, known on the show as the Riviera Grand Hotel, was the perfect location for the decadent nighttime soap.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
Boasting 11 polo grounds, a polo academy, and its famous Pavillion Restaurant (serving decadent four-course lunches)—it has hosted some of the world’s most influential figures, from George VI to the Maharaja of Jaipur, the sultan of Brunei and the current Royal Family.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadent
Adjective
In the mid-1990s, there were no social media platforms for celebrities to advertise their decadent lifestyles and A-list friend circles.
—Michael Grynbaum, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Executive producer Eva Longoria told the Miami Herald the iconic property, known on the show as the Riviera Grand Hotel, was the perfect location for the decadent nighttime soap.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
Noun
Dining here feels like eating at a friend's home—that is, if your friend could whip up a downright decadent vodka rigatoni.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
Boasting 11 polo grounds, a polo academy, and its famous Pavillion Restaurant (serving decadent four-course lunches)—it has hosted some of the world’s most influential figures, from George VI to the Maharaja of Jaipur, the sultan of Brunei and the current Royal Family.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadent
Adjective
-
In his native Germany, he was reviled by the Nazis as a degenerate artist.—
Celia Bell
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
-
In a guest role that’s been extremely well hidden in the months leading up to the premiere, Bradley Cooper turns heel as Elijah Gemstone, a degenerate con man who sees right through Abel Grieves’s lucrative scam before plugging him in the forehead.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But these are only the 'official' statistics released by corrupt City Officials.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The Boys, a satirical drama about vigilantes who set out to take down corrupt superheroes, is gearing up for the release of its fifth and final season, expected sometime in 2026 on Prime Video.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Last Crumb's cookies are excellent edible gifts, with a luxurious flavor and mouthfeel and the price tag to match.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
16 Aug. 2025
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Accompanying the single, Cardi directed a luxurious visual alongside Patientce Foster.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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What follows is a floor-by-floor descent into madness as Bobby battles bloodthirsty perverts, demonic flash mobs, and hallucinogenic suburban nightmares, all while trying to figure out if he’s meant to be the hero… or just the last guy standing.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
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Special-guest pervert Frank (Sam Rockwell) showcases a monologue about his autogynephilia.—
Armond White,
National Review,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This version of Trump is a lawsuit-happy hedonist who is literally in bed with Satan (in South Park, Satan is something of a lost soul, often ending up in abusive relationships).—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
Her Daphne was a realist, a hedonist and, like Fahy, a great hang.—
Alexis Soloski,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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And there’s an intriguing romance between Nancy and Hamish (James Musgrave), a slightly effete soldier whose lack of commitment, and indeed libido, suggests her taste in men might not be as sharp as her wit.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
17 June 2025
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In this view, other European immigrants were unsuitable for civilizing the frontier—Southern Europeans were effete and decadent while Eastern European Jews were hapless in the woods and better-suited to urban, commercial spaces.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Smoke and particle pollution, primarily traced to wildfires burning in Canada, contributed to the degraded air quality, which officials said may persist until at least Thursday.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
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On top of software setbacks, the OP said the vehicle's battery had to be replaced, but with a degraded unit that reduced range by 30 miles overnight.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Generally, they're used as a style statement, paired with very sensual garments; however, adding a striped shirt under a corset can create a completely different silhouette.—
Michel Mejía,
Glamour,
2 Aug. 2025
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This can bring a more sensual, domestic and sweet energy to our lives and relationships.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decadent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadent. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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