1
as in degenerate
having lost forcefulness, courage, or spirit
social critics claimed that their culture had become decadent and weak
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in corrupt
having or showing lowered moral character or standards
opponents of gambling casinos claim that gambling is a decadent form of entertainment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in luxurious
given to or marked by excessive gratification of one's desires
the impressionable heiress couldn't resist the decadent temptations of the jet-set life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in pervert
a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard
avant-garde artists who were scorned by the bourgeoisie as talentless decadents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hedonist
a person whose life is devoted to luxury and sensual pleasures
a decadent who squandered her once considerable family fortune
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decadent
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
And the summer is when we’re all allowed to prioritize pleasure a bit more, which makes reading the bigger, more decadent books less like homework.
—James Folta
july 2, Literary Hub, 2 July 2025
Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025
Skirting the Soviet censorship regime At the end of World War II, Soviet censorship shifted into high gear in an effort to suppress a Western culture deemed threatening or decadent.
—Richard Gunderman, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadent
Adjective
But indulgence still sells, high-income patrons have money to spend from a rebounded stock market and successful steakhouses sell a decadent experience that’s been updated for 2025.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
And the summer is when we’re all allowed to prioritize pleasure a bit more, which makes reading the bigger, more decadent books less like homework.
—James Folta
july 2, Literary Hub, 2 July 2025
Noun
In this view, other European immigrants were unsuitable for civilizing the frontier—Southern Europeans were effete and decadent while Eastern European Jews were hapless in the woods and better-suited to urban, commercial spaces.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025
Skirting the Soviet censorship regime At the end of World War II, Soviet censorship shifted into high gear in an effort to suppress a Western culture deemed threatening or decadent.
—Richard Gunderman, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadent
Adjective
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In a guest role that’s been extremely well hidden in the months leading up to the premiere, Bradley Cooper turns heel as Elijah Gemstone, a degenerate con man who sees right through Abel Grieves’s lucrative scam before plugging him in the forehead.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2025
-
In theory, the walls of carbon nanotubes house a sea of degenerate electrons that have a similar density to metals.—
The Physics arXiv Blog,
Discover Magazine,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
After decades when Ukraine was seen as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, cleaning up its government has been held up as the most important condition for Kyiv to join the European Union and integrate more broadly with the West.—
Olena Harmash,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
-
Set in 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is a multi-track mixtape of colorful characters – an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector – on a collision course in a fever dream of showdowns and battles.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Joe Raedle/Getty Images The cabin will be preset to be at the customer's ideal temperature ahead of their meeting and the concierge will help connect phones to the vehicle to run Apple CarPlay. Dropping off the vehicle is designed to be as easy and luxurious as pickup.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
-
Despite being booked and busy during her visit in Turkey, Lopez will get to enjoy the Regnum Carya’s most luxurious and relaxing accommodation, the Crown Villa, the property tells PEOPLE.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
What follows is a floor-by-floor descent into madness as Bobby battles bloodthirsty perverts, demonic flash mobs, and hallucinogenic suburban nightmares, all while trying to figure out if he’s meant to be the hero… or just the last guy standing.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
-
Special-guest pervert Frank (Sam Rockwell) showcases a monologue about his autogynephilia.—
Armond White,
National Review,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This version of Trump is a lawsuit-happy hedonist who is literally in bed with Satan (in South Park, Satan is something of a lost soul, often ending up in abusive relationships).—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
Her Daphne was a realist, a hedonist and, like Fahy, a great hang.—
Alexis Soloski,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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And there’s an intriguing romance between Nancy and Hamish (James Musgrave), a slightly effete soldier whose lack of commitment, and indeed libido, suggests her taste in men might not be as sharp as her wit.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
17 June 2025
-
In this view, other European immigrants were unsuitable for civilizing the frontier—Southern Europeans were effete and decadent while Eastern European Jews were hapless in the woods and better-suited to urban, commercial spaces.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
In the kitchen, opt for glass and stainless-steel containers, and throw away degraded plastic tools.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
7 July 2025
-
Shot on low-grade digital cameras that made every image look even more apocalyptic and degraded, the film remains utterly terrifying, boasting excellent supporting turns from Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson as Jim’s fellow survivors.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
The look featured a high slit, which once again added a sensual touch.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
17 July 2025
-
For Summer 2025, Gomez is going for this flirty, sensual ’90s style—with some more contemporary modifications.—
Lorena Meouchi,
Vogue,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decadent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadent. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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