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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun decadence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decadence are decline, degeneration, and deterioration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

How are the words decline and decadence related?

Decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

When could degeneration be used to replace decadence?

The words degeneration and decadence can be used in similar contexts, but degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When might deterioration be a better fit than decadence?

The words deterioration and decadence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of decadence Food Our Tarts, Ourselves Chris Randle Butter tarts are strangely modest in their excess, a two-dollar decadence. hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 The brutalism of The Brutalist fits millennial, anti-Western decadence. Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2025 The decadence is liberating, the lack of inhibitions is liberating. James Factora, Them, 5 Sep. 2024 Yet the overall decadence of the drink remains the same. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decadence 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
  • The deterioration of Drake and LeBron James’ friendship appears to be part of the fallout from the Drizzy and Kendrick Lamar feud.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The company is seeing signs of rapid deterioration of its capital structure, according to the letter sent to Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara by Dan Krause, State Farm’s president and chief executive officer.
    Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Trump has ordered his administration to maximize water flows from the delta and expedite potential exemptions to the Endangered Species Act, allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to send more water southward without concern for habitat degradation.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
  • When left unchecked, mass tourism can cause environmental and cultural degradation, displace locals, and strain infrastructure and resources.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Mike Scott, interim fire chief, had expressed concern over the decline in volunteerism back in February at the Shakopee City Council meeting that revealed the report’s findings.
    Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The Super Bowl does come amid a sharp decline in murders in the city since peaking in late 2022.
    Jason Morris, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • What are the accusations against USAID? Over the weekend and into Monday, Musk fired off a series of posts on X that accused the agency of corruption.
    Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025
  • First created among the post-Watergate government reforms aimed at increasing oversight and decreasing corruption and inefficiencies in federal departments, the Office of Inspector General began in 1976 after an act of Congress was passed.
    Southern California News Group Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.
    WWD, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
  • Thomas said the sheriff's office presented the case to the district attorney's office for declination purposes only because of Suff's prior convictions and death sentence.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • While the second stage did reach orbit, Blue Origin said the booster was lost during the descent.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
  • An especially fine touch is the way the initial vocal descent is echoed by the piano, but with a B-flat raised to B-natural.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near decadence

Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decadence

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