1
as in degenerate
having lost forcefulness, courage, or spirit
social critics claimed that their culture had become decadent and weak
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Air Mail, 11 Apr. 2026
Cushy seating is ideal for napping, reading, working from home, or avoiding the news of course, especially when done up in decadent velvet or plush sheepskin.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Apr. 2026
Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
This decadent no-bake dessert takes just 25 minutes to assemble and calls upon instant pudding mix to get the job done quickly.
—Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decadent
Adjective
Finally, indulge in the savory Basque cheesecake, which arrives topped with a layer of royal caviar for a decadent flourish.
—Air Mail, 11 Apr. 2026
Cushy seating is ideal for napping, reading, working from home, or avoiding the news of course, especially when done up in decadent velvet or plush sheepskin.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
Easter brunch is the perfect excuse to cook these decadents rolls—and, trust us, everyone will thank you.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
This decadent no-bake dessert takes just 25 minutes to assemble and calls upon instant pudding mix to get the job done quickly.
—Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decadent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadent
Adjective
-
German Expressionism and Surrealism, deemed degenerate by Nazis and Soviets alike, show up in stylized figuration, spatial distortion, and a dreamlike atmosphere.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Prisons are filled with the faithful and the daily news reports are overflowing with reprehensible, criminal, degenerate theists.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As the operation grows across the city-wide black market, their ambitions clash with corrupt authorities, rival butchers and a shifting political landscape, pushing the family toward dangerous alliances and violent consequences.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Then Joe Biden and his corrupt administration comes along and makes matters worse, allowing thousands of criminals to enter our country illegally, pillaging Americans while being pampered in luxury hotels on our dime.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The memory foam insole is a dream for long travel days, and the slip-on design makes breezing through TSA feel almost luxurious.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Solid Face Cleanser combines gentle yet effective ingredients for a luxurious cleansing experience.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nora Ephron for depressed perverts.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2026
-
You are being spied on by a pervert.—
Jay Ruttenberg,
New Yorker,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
All of the group’s hotels appeal to wellbeing-loving hedonists with a conscience—regular guests are predominantly female (around 60%).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The sequel strips Grace of what made her special and merely pays lip service to the first one’s worldview, representing the antagonists as generically incompetent hedonists.—
Michael Ordoña,
Houston Chronicle,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Scarf critics accuse the accessory—and by extension, its wearers—of being effete or affected.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
1 Dec. 2025
-
What we’re left with is an effete description that exists for itself and doesn’t illuminate the character.—
Hannah Gold,
New Yorker,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The former housekeeper for Jenner further claims that she was mocked for her accent and degraded.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Iranian air power has been significantly degraded but not erased, said the officials, who requested anonymity from CBS News because they were not authorized to discuss the matters publicly.—
Jennifer Jacobs,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ware sat down with PEOPLE to discuss the making of Superbloom, making sure Burrows was alright with the sensual nature of its accompanying music videos, how Table Manners has impacted her career and her thoughts on the state of ageism in the music industry.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Its elegant glam design emphasizes vibrant hues and sensual curvy lines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decadent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadent. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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