as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
in the years following the closing of the last textile mill, the town atrophied
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in degeneration
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of atrophy
Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
However hard Lively commits to Gina’s journey from despair to paranoia as her vision atrophies, none of the characters have enough humanity to judge how well they’re played.
—Lizzie Logan, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
The idea that our human connections have atrophied over the past few years is by no means entirely wrong.
—Lily Scherlis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Verb
One drug for children with spinal muscular atrophy, for instance, costs more than $2 million for the one-dose treatment.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
However hard Lively commits to Gina’s journey from despair to paranoia as her vision atrophies, none of the characters have enough humanity to judge how well they’re played.
—Lizzie Logan, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Noun
Cassidy would appear to be a man yearning for an experience that gives meaning to his life, which seems to have atrophied, lost its significance.
—Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
The idea that our human connections have atrophied over the past few years is by no means entirely wrong.
—Lily Scherlis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atrophy
Verb
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The Astros traded Pressly as a pure salary dump, influenced in part by his deteriorating relationship with general manager Dana Brown.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Kenya’s deteriorating economy — youth unemployment stands at 67% — has turned the country into a tinderbox: Yesterday’s protests were preceded by violent demonstrations against the killing of a blogger while in police custody, leaving many seeking answers.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
Moderate degeneration of up to two lumbar intervertebral discs was confirmed by an MRI scan.—
Paul McClure
May 06,
New Atlas,
6 May 2025
-
Scientists have uncovered critical pathways to combat osteoporosis and related conditions more effectively and efficiently by studying rapid skeletal degeneration in microgravity.—
Shelli Brunswick,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Verb
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LeBron James already opted in to a $52.6 million deal with the Lakers for next season, the Rockets traded for Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers saw James Harden decline his option in return for a new deal and a raise.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
1 July 2025
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Three players ultimately declined to participate this time around: Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Most of the time, the summer slide—in other words, the deterioration of intellectual skills gained during the school year, during a period when kids are on breaks—is associated with a student’s reading skills, says Alexander.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
25 June 2025
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The disease causes deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, a process that sets off a series of worsening symptoms.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
19 June 2025
Verb
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This can lead to more frequent awakenings, shallower sleep and worsened airway instability, resulting in more apnea events.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
30 June 2025
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Sweden reintroduced a gender-neutral draft in 2017 citing worsening security conditions, while Norway became the first NATO country to implement gender-equal conscription in 2013.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Noun
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This reflects the idea of decay or rot associated with damp, earthy conditions.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Sections of peeling bark or cracks in the bark can signal infestation or decay.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
Verb
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The San Francisco company’s shares took a dive Monday after its partnership with Novo Nordisk crumbled.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
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Top each bowl with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and crumbled Cotija cheese.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Hours earlier, another Pride celebration at Washing Square Park descended into chaos after a false report of gunfire and an individual deploying bear spray into a crowd sparked a stampede of people running for their lives.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
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The New Shepard rocket, the company's fully reusable and fully autonomous spacecraft, separated from the capsule and returned to Earth ahead of the astronauts, safely descending and touching down on a landing pad not far from the launch site.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Atrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atrophy. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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