1
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
a general state of demoralization prevailed at every level of the government
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in despair
the state of being discouraged
the officers struggled to combat the demoralization of the troops as their tour of duty grew longer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of demoralization
The melancholy truth is that things have sunk into a morass of demoralization and low standards, with journalism inhabiting the poverty sector among the disciplines, and this at a time when communications nationally and internationally have reached an apex of urgency and complexity.
—
David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demoralization
Noun
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Using a combination of durable ceramic materials and specialized membranes, the filtration unit can remove extremely small contaminants while maintaining stable operation through a self-cleaning thermal mechanism that prevents buildup and degradation over time.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
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Coupled with a significant degradation of Iranian military power, something already underway, these objectives would constitute an acceptable end to the war.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The researchers also say that the intervention appeared to change the model’s internal activations (which might suggest the expressions indicate something akin to real emotions) and not just the expression of despair.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
24 Mar. 2026
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As is the band’s custom, the lyrics might evoke despair, but the furnace of hooks and harmonies suggests total emotional overload is its own kind of salvation.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Over the past decade, United States Attorney’s Offices in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia have charged dozens of individuals in corruption and fraud schemes involving college coaches, players and athletic department personnel.—
Robert L. Boone,
Sportico.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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Four people were charged Tuesday in connection a federal corruption investigation that has ensnared NYC Councilmember Farah Louis and a nonprofit providing homeless services to the city.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Others expressed dismay over human rights issues.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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The Red Sox have struggled defensively throughout most of Cora’s tenure as manager (2018-19, 2021-present), much to his dismay.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Demoralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demoralization. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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