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
Data centers are not allowed to produce sound louder than 59 decibels during the day or 49 decibels at night, as measured at the facility’s property line, and the city would require data centers monitor their sound around the clock.
—
R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
As noise levels increased, starting at around 50 decibels, cholesterol markers rose steadily, the release stated.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026
His voice grew distorted as the microphone struggled to contain the decibels.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
During the demo, the sound meter appears to be tracking noise levels from 50 to 70 decibels (dBA) as the aircraft hovers.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Some devices produce sound levels above 170 decibels – far louder than most gunshots.
—Michele Heisler, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Honda says that altogether, these enhancements reduce interior noise by two or three decibels, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but the result is indeed a serene ride.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026
The complaint alleges the decibels measured from Ford Amphitheater range between 60 and 77.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Carrano, citing state law about noise, said industrial zone are allowed up to 70 decibels and if emanates into residential zone they are allowed up to 51 decibels in the evening.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2026
R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
As noise levels increased, starting at around 50 decibels, cholesterol markers rose steadily, the release stated.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026
His voice grew distorted as the microphone struggled to contain the decibels.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
During the demo, the sound meter appears to be tracking noise levels from 50 to 70 decibels (dBA) as the aircraft hovers.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Some devices produce sound levels above 170 decibels – far louder than most gunshots.
—Michele Heisler, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Honda says that altogether, these enhancements reduce interior noise by two or three decibels, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but the result is indeed a serene ride.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026
The complaint alleges the decibels measured from Ford Amphitheater range between 60 and 77.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Carrano, citing state law about noise, said industrial zone are allowed up to 70 decibels and if emanates into residential zone they are allowed up to 51 decibels in the evening.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decibels
Noun
-
The noise disappears as the reading party begins.—
Sofia Zarran,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
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The suit alleged the developers violated a development agreement and would bring pollution, noise and traffic to a nearby neighborhood.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The sensation of ripping through six forward gears with the LT4’s stentorian roar echoing off a canyon wall is one of the best in motoring.—
Kyle Hyatt,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The next roar came within 200 yards of our boat.—
Delbert L. Chears,
Outdoor Life,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decibels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decibels. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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