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
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
According to Rictor, the aircraft is designed to operate at noise levels below 65 decibels, although independent testing has not yet been published.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Fort Worth currently has a sound limit in place of 70 decibels during the day and 60 decibels at night.
—Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 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
The facility’s noise would be capped at 75 decibels, with a 50-foot buffer recommended to limit impacts to the surrounding community.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Noise levels remain below 65 decibels (dB), keeping sessions quiet enough for home or shared spaces.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025
The sirens chosen for the towers are intended to produce 75 decibels of noise inside a structure in order to wake people up.
—Jason Allen, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
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
According to Rictor, the aircraft is designed to operate at noise levels below 65 decibels, although independent testing has not yet been published.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Fort Worth currently has a sound limit in place of 70 decibels during the day and 60 decibels at night.
—Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 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
The facility’s noise would be capped at 75 decibels, with a 50-foot buffer recommended to limit impacts to the surrounding community.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Noise levels remain below 65 decibels (dB), keeping sessions quiet enough for home or shared spaces.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025
The sirens chosen for the towers are intended to produce 75 decibels of noise inside a structure in order to wake people up.
—Jason Allen, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decibels
Noun
-
There’s also the noise issue, and the somewhat awkward reality of spinning rotors whirring dangerously above people in public places.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The neighborhood/area Uptown Sedona sits just above L’Auberge, keeping guests sheltered from traffic and tourists, but construction noise from buildings along 89A can filter down to the rooms.—
Asonta Benetti,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Dent raced up the court, kicked to Perry, who dribbled into a 3-pointer, and turned to the crowd, celebrating with a flex and a roar.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The heavyweight was facing Kingsley Ibeh on Saturday night when Ibeh landed a flurry of shots in the second round that caused a roar from the crowd, despite not looking particularly hard.—
Isabel Yip,
NBC news,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decibels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decibels. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
