1
as in decomposes
to go through decomposition
the logs decayed on the rain forest floor the atom of plutonium decayed in the test chamber
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deteriorates
to become worse or of less value
the restaurant's standards for food and service had decayed over the years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fades
to lose bodily strength or vigor
having reached her 80s, the woman could sense that her body was decaying
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decays
This technique relies on the fact that naturally occurring uranium decays over long but well-known periods of time to eventually transform into lead.
—
Briana Pobiner, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
Because plutonium-238 decays slowly, losing only half its atoms over about 90 years, an RTG is ideal for missions that outlast the life span of typical batteries, fuel cells, or solar panels.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Apr. 2025
The audio isn't much to listen to—just some static followed by a staticky explosive noise that decays in swirling fashion for multiple seconds.
—Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025
In 2023, a provocative paper suggested that this radiation isn’t limited to black holes, implying that everything eventually decays away.
—Big Think, 6 Dec. 2024
Once in a very great while, an ephemeral particle called a kaon arises and then quickly decays away into three other obscure entities.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024
Briana Pobiner, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
Because plutonium-238 decays slowly, losing only half its atoms over about 90 years, an RTG is ideal for missions that outlast the life span of typical batteries, fuel cells, or solar panels.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Apr. 2025
The audio isn't much to listen to—just some static followed by a staticky explosive noise that decays in swirling fashion for multiple seconds.
—Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025
In 2023, a provocative paper suggested that this radiation isn’t limited to black holes, implying that everything eventually decays away.
—Big Think, 6 Dec. 2024
Once in a very great while, an ephemeral particle called a kaon arises and then quickly decays away into three other obscure entities.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decays
Verb
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However, this growth could quickly diminish if the economy deteriorates and tariffs are imposed on AMD’s products.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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The call instantly deteriorates in sound quality.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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An easy monetary policy typically weakens a country’s currency, making exports cheaper and potentially supports growth in the face of tariffs.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 Dec. 2024
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Doing so weakens your home's heating system and is a fire hazard.—
Rabekah Henderson,
Southern Living,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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During Bilbao’s Semana Grande, Jone lives her first love with Olga, as her father’s Parkinson’s illness worsens.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
23 Dec. 2024
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Symptoms include severe pain below the ribs that worsens when laughing, twisting, coughing, or bending.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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One more plank of the United States' global influence goes dark at the president's whim.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
24 Mar. 2025
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The same goes for fans, who root for the name on the front of the jerseys but have little time to bond with the guys filling them.—
Childs Walker,
Baltimore Sun,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decays. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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