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
These door stops come in a pack of two and hit 120 ear-piercing decibels when triggered.
—
Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2025
Paddy Boyland was there for a raucous atmosphere at the Hill Dickinson’s debut, where the noise topped 100 decibels (and Everton beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0).
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Some professional-level in-ear monitors allow for the sound engineer to mix in feeds from the audience, which can lower the decibels while still maintaining the energy between the crowd and the performers.
—Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
The maximum sound levels associated with the data center cannot exceed 55 decibels, according to the ordinance.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Traffic noise dropped by as much as 4 decibels.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2025
Paddy Boyland was there for a raucous atmosphere at the Hill Dickinson’s debut, where the noise topped 100 decibels (and Everton beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0).
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Some professional-level in-ear monitors allow for the sound engineer to mix in feeds from the audience, which can lower the decibels while still maintaining the energy between the crowd and the performers.
—Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
The maximum sound levels associated with the data center cannot exceed 55 decibels, according to the ordinance.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Traffic noise dropped by as much as 4 decibels.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decibels
Noun
-
According to the website linked on the signs, the group of Association residents oppose the high-density development in the rural environment with concerns about traffic congestion and noise and light pollution.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Sep. 2025
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If your dog is a little nervous about the groomer, this vacuum boasts a low-noise design with only 59 dB, plus three adjustable suction levels to suit your dog’s needs.—
Jessie Quinn,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Case managers had a hard time being heard over the roar of traffic, officials said.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
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Sports fans will love how the AI Sports Mode sharpens every detail of the game while boosting the roar of the crowd for a true arena vibe.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decibels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decibels. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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