as in noise
loud, confused, and usually inharmonious sound
the crowd decibels increased dramatically as the horses neared the finish line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 decibels
However, moving the microphone just 2 inches (51 mm) away from the center of the sound spot reduced the volume by up to 50 decibels, making the audio nearly inaudible.
—
New Atlas, 14 June 2026
Measurements at the data centers that were the subject of complaints found noise levels were between 40 and 59 decibels on residential property.
—Ed Maibach, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
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
For context, a garbage disposal or blender clocks in at around 80 decibels.
—Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
New Atlas, 14 June 2026
Measurements at the data centers that were the subject of complaints found noise levels were between 40 and 59 decibels on residential property.
—Ed Maibach, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
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
For context, a garbage disposal or blender clocks in at around 80 decibels.
—Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decibels
Noun
-
Hikers and walkers should also make noise when out in bear country, especially at dusk and dawn, and dogs should be leashed and supervised.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
Ambient sounds, nature recordings, white-noise tracks and ASMR-style content can generate passive income through YouTube, Spotify and other streaming platforms.—
ByBryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Fellow attacker Akram Afif fell to his knees in both joy and disbelief after the final whistle blew, taking in the roars coming from his countrymen who had made the long trip to the United States.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
-
In the massive stadium in Inglewood, usually home to football games, the stands thundered with the roar of fans, with 70,492 in attendance.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decibels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decibels. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
