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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decadence
The show explores the complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette, and her timeless appeal, defined by her exceptional style and controversial image, which became synonymous with excess—representing youth, decadence, power and notoriety.
—
Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Etienne’s aesthetic has always trafficked in the conventions of dance-pop, but their songs are hopeful and wide-eyed, avoiding any hints of hedonistic decadence.
—Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Premier League fans are in for a west London derby of decadence as title-chasing Chelsea hosts Fulham on Saturday.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Serve with the honey garlic butter on the side—or for more decadence, toss the pieces in a bowl with the butter.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadence
Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Etienne’s aesthetic has always trafficked in the conventions of dance-pop, but their songs are hopeful and wide-eyed, avoiding any hints of hedonistic decadence.
—Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Premier League fans are in for a west London derby of decadence as title-chasing Chelsea hosts Fulham on Saturday.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Serve with the honey garlic butter on the side—or for more decadence, toss the pieces in a bowl with the butter.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
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The sharp deterioration in air quality this week comes following celebrations for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which traditionally involves the widespread use of firecrackers which release sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides into the air, as well as harmful heavy metals.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
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This isn’t to say writer and director Mary Bronstein’s film, about the agonizing deterioration of a woman whose life is falling down around her in near-apocalyptic fashion, isn’t worth watching.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The team believes their approach could eventually help regions struggling with industrial contamination and agricultural degradation.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
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Housing materials in artistic practice are fitting for an environment that is constantly under simultaneous construction and degradation, with sea levels continuing to rise, potholes throughout the city and as our own infrastructure buckles under the weight of an ever growing population.—
Mario Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Since 1928, significant market declines of at least 5% have happened in 92 out of 98 years.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
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One of the most popular college majors is seeing a significant decline in graduates, according to a new report from AEI.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The opposition accuses Fico of eroding democratic standards, media freedom, and covering up corruption.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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Trump’s proposal is part of a recent effort to strengthen relations with Argentina and longtime political ally and Argentinian President Javier Milei, a chainsaw-wielding leader known for both taming the country’s hyperinflation, but also navigating several corruption scandals.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Presenting their findings in a lengthy declination memo, the prosecutors explicitly mentioned the two other investigations to bolster their recommendation that probable cause does not exist to charge Comey, according to sources familiar with the contents of the memo.—
Katherine Faulders,
ABC News,
6 Oct. 2025
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On those three dates, variations in the moon's position relative to Earth's equator — particularly its declination — can influence tidal forces that subtly affect Earth's rotation rate.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The rapid descent of temperatures, which in some cases may reach the upper 20s, raises concerns for agriculture, property maintenance, and daily routines as winter-like conditions arrive.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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The Apollo-era lunar module was a two-part spacecraft—a descent stage that landed the astronauts on the surface, and an ascent stage, containing the crew compartment, that lifted back off, leaving the bottom half of the vehicle on the moon.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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