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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of decibels
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
The Hearing Health Foundation warned that sounds that exceed 70 decibels can damage hearing without protection.
—Hali Smith
april 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026
Noises louder than 85 decibels are considered harmful to humans.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
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
The Hearing Health Foundation warned that sounds that exceed 70 decibels can damage hearing without protection.
—Hali Smith
april 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026
Noises louder than 85 decibels are considered harmful to humans.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decibels
Noun
-
The noise, which sounded like a tree falling to the ground or a large round of thunder, became the talk of the day on a rainy, cold Saturday in late May.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
-
Several hours later, troopers, including some on horseback, deployed heavy riot control tactics, including noise bombs, tear gas grenades, pepper spray and riot shields in an attempt to disperse the mob.—
Preston Mizell,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Fudd got a loud roar of applause upon being introduced and seemingly played with a spark, starting the game off aggressively in the first half.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2026
-
As Tottenham’s Italian head coach turned towards the crowd and let out a roar of sheer jubilation, substitute goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario jumped on his back.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decibels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decibels. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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