Synonyms of atrophy

atrophy 1 of 2

verb

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

• deteriorate
• decline
• worsen
• crumble
• descend
• decay
• rot
• degenerate
• diminish
• devolve
• retrograde
• regress
• sink
• weaken
• run to seed
• ebb
• sag
• disintegrate
• go to seed
• wane
• go to pot
• recede
• putrefy
• degrade
• downsize
• dwindle
• decompose
• fall
• reduce
• dilapidate
• corrupt
• abate
• debilitate
• molder
• sour
• undermine
• droop
• slip
• languish
• spoil
• waste (away)
• lessen
• lag
• wilt
• run down
• lower
• break down
• fail
• de-escalate
• flag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improve
• ameliorate
• better
• upgrade
• strengthen
• enhance
• intensify
• meliorate
• enrich
• develop
• heighten
• proceed
• fortify
• progress
• march
• advance

atrophy

2 of 2

noun

as in degeneration

Synonyms & Similar Words

• degeneration
• deterioration
• decay
• weakening
• debilitation
• decline
• decaying
• regression
• declension
• enfeeblement
• relapse
• setback
• ebbing
• drooping
• descent
• exhaustion
• flagging
• limping

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improvement
• rehabilitation
• recovery
• revitalization
• recuperation
• strengthening
• progress
• comeback
• rally
• invigoration
• rejuvenation
• snapback
• rejuvenescence

Examples of atrophy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Your skills and expertise will atrophy without continual challenge. —Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

This could be the myth of Blackness itself, that it is never permitted to grow up, to sound too bitter, forever young and inchoate, never atrophying past the dazzling tones of entertainment so that all the world accepts wholeheartedly of Black life is its half-life. —Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024

Noun

In July, the singer had shared a statement regarding his struggles with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy. —A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 16 Aug. 2024

Last month, Russell announced his retirement from touring due to being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). —Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2024