Synonyms of decadence

decadence

noun

ˈde-kə-dən(t)s 

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

• deterioration
• degradation
• decline
• declination
• descent
• degeneracy
• downfall
• degeneration
• ebb
• fall
• destruction
• devolution
• eclipse
• decay
• decrease
• reduction
• declension
• downgrade
• dissolution
• dégringolade
• disintegration
• drop
• decomposition
• sunset
• loss
• crumbling
• debasement
• nadir
• dark age
• breakup
• abasement
• dip
• spoiling
• rotting
• slump
• depreciation
• diminution
• ruination
• havoc
• demolition
• downturn
• deflation
• shrinkage
• desolation
• decimation
• ruin
• lessening
• diminishment
• lowering
• sag
• falloff
• abatement
• decrement
• downtrend
• demolishment
• slip
• downslide
• drop-off
• de-escalation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rise
• growth
• development
• evolution
• ascent
• advancement
• flowering
• upswing
• restoration
• renewal
• revitalization
• increase
• addition
• enhancement
• flourishing
• blossoming
• gain
• increment
• augmentation
• accrual
• accretion
• boost
• supplement
• raise
• heightening
• addendum

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• degradation
• corruption
• corruptness
• dissoluteness
• turpitude
• decadency
• debasement
• degeneracy
• perversion
• abjection
• dissipation
• sinfulness
• libertinism
• demoralization
• debauchery
• depravity
• libertinage
• degeneration
• rakishness
• evil
• immorality
• villainy
• degenerateness
• pervertedness
• dissipatedness
• wickedness
• squalor
• filth
• gangrene
• rot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• virtue
• morality
• goodness
• righteousness

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

Recent Examples of decadence

Chronicles of far-right obedience and moral decadence don’t get much more scathing than this. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

Holzinger’s feminist decadence foregrounds the violence against women that this history aestheticized and perpetuated. —Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 2026

Enjoy them as is or dip them in chocolate for a touch of decadence. —Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 2026

By putting religious and profane art together—a picture of Christ on one wall and Apollo on another, both equalized in their prettiness—Raphael triggered centuries of decadence. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026