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
His voice grew distorted as the microphone struggled to contain the decibels.
—
Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
After feedback from residents at a town hall meeting last week, city staff are now proposing those maximum noise levels be 59 decibels during the day and 49 decibels at night.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 19 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
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
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
Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
After feedback from residents at a town hall meeting last week, city staff are now proposing those maximum noise levels be 59 decibels during the day and 49 decibels at night.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 19 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
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
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
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In the consumer market, that silence has created noise.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
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Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, apartments with older doors, and homes with hardwood or tile floors, this $4 draft stopper can stop the chilly air from entering, while also muffling outside noises and blocking dust, pollen, and pests.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Could Jacob Bridgeman hear the roars for Rory McIlroy’s 30-foot make and still finish?—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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With his athleticism and his bravado—his programs featured the world’s only quad axel and the only backflip, which always elicited a roar from the crowd despite earning him no points—Malinin looked poised not only to win but also to bring men’s figure skating into the mainstream.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decibels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decibels. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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