as in noise
loud, confused, and usually inharmonious sound
the crowd decibels increased dramatically as the horses neared the finish line
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Recent Examples of decibels
Silence carries weight of loss Participants sat in the decibels of quiet, with only the noise of the outdoor space breaking the silence.
—
Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 4 June 2026
That same architecture is what makes Neo quiet, operating at 22 decibels, quieter than a modern refrigerator.
—John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
As a comparison, a highway generates 80 decibels.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
This was a plot twist with political and cultural significance because Italian American politicians were often accused—at varying decibels—of being in hock to the Mafia.
—John Avlon, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
Other players joined in acknowledging supporters but the decibels of their disdain grew stronger.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 18 May 2026
The official answer is about 45 to 55 decibels.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
For context, a garbage disposal or blender clocks in at around 80 decibels.
—Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
If the project is approved, sound levels are expected to be at about 50 decibels.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 4 June 2026
That same architecture is what makes Neo quiet, operating at 22 decibels, quieter than a modern refrigerator.
—John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
As a comparison, a highway generates 80 decibels.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
This was a plot twist with political and cultural significance because Italian American politicians were often accused—at varying decibels—of being in hock to the Mafia.
—John Avlon, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
Other players joined in acknowledging supporters but the decibels of their disdain grew stronger.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 18 May 2026
The official answer is about 45 to 55 decibels.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
For context, a garbage disposal or blender clocks in at around 80 decibels.
—Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
If the project is approved, sound levels are expected to be at about 50 decibels.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decibels
Noun
-
While these instruments might be heard loudly on the streets, they have been banned at the World Cup this year in Mexico to prevent excessive noise.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
From noise-cancelling headphones to cozy travel wraps, here are the seven travel essentials worth splurging on, according to a luxury travel agent.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Then Zverev wasted a 3-1 lead in the tiebreaker, which Cobolli concluded with a forehand winner up the line that produced a roar from the crowd.—
Andrew Dampf,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
-
Sleek Noise-cancelling Headphones From the roar of the engine to conversations from nearby neighbors, plane travel can often be noisy, even if you’re seated in first class.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decibels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decibels. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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