Definition of decadencenext
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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 Nuriev, 41, was born in Russia amid the faded decadence of the czarist era and the rational architecture of communism. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Jan. 2026 The vocals are mechanical and the lyrics repetitive and tedious, the narrator choking on decadence. Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026 More than ever before, Industry is a high-low phantasmagoria of decadence, amorality, and vice set in the pressure cooker of international finance. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026 Million dollar chicken noodle casserole has the decadence of a classic-style million dollar dish. Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
  • Cleaning Products And Chemicals Paint, fertilizer, weed killer, pool cleaners, and other temperature-sensitive chemicals should be brought indoors for the winter to prevent freezing and deterioration.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Motorists traveling across the area this morning, including along I-85 and I-77 through Charlotte metro and vicinity, should be prepared for sudden deterioration in visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The cold can also freeze liquids, crack containers and prompt chemical degradation.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Grave of the Fireflies is about the horrors and degradations of war.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Mixing and juxtaposing voices, lingos, and tones, [Dylan] traces the decline of America over the trajectory of his own lifetime through the kaleidoscope of the Kennedy assassination.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Despite the beat, total revenue fell 3 percent year over year, marking the company’s first annual decline.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The protests began in late December amid widespread anger over economic hardship, political repression and corruption, according to reports.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Yoon himself, as a prosecutor, helped bring down former President Park Geun-hye, who was imprisoned for corruption and abuse of power.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Nachmanoff pressed the Justice Department over whether a formal declination memo deciding against charges for Comey exists.
    Ella Lee, The Hill, 19 Nov. 2025
  • McLaughlin characterized the Fullerton officer’s response as a declination to help.
    Sierra van der Brug, Oc Register, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Eger watched her parents taken away to the gas chambers where more than a million people, primarily of Jewish descent, were murdered.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
  • As jealousy, greed, and paranoia take hold, the group is torn apart by their inner demons, threatening to turn their angelic encounter into a descent into hell.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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