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
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
The buzz surrounding Tustin’s boys tennis team raised a few decibels with the seeding for the Ojai tournament this week.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Then, one by one, the three Huntr/x talents stepped into the spotlight, the cheers hitting higher decibels.
—Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
The bill also establishes a solar photovoltaic noise barrier pilot program, which would attach solar panels onto highway sound walls, generating renewable energy while reducing noise pollution by 10-15 decibels, according to lawmakers.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
Cabin noise during a typical flight can exceed 85 decibels, roughly equivalent to a lawnmower’s loudness.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Noise levels above 85 decibels are considered hazardous to the human ear.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
According to a comparison chart by Yale, 75 decibels is roughly equivalent to the sound of a vacuum cleaner.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Apr. 2026
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
The buzz surrounding Tustin’s boys tennis team raised a few decibels with the seeding for the Ojai tournament this week.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Then, one by one, the three Huntr/x talents stepped into the spotlight, the cheers hitting higher decibels.
—Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
The bill also establishes a solar photovoltaic noise barrier pilot program, which would attach solar panels onto highway sound walls, generating renewable energy while reducing noise pollution by 10-15 decibels, according to lawmakers.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
Cabin noise during a typical flight can exceed 85 decibels, roughly equivalent to a lawnmower’s loudness.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Noise levels above 85 decibels are considered hazardous to the human ear.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
According to a comparison chart by Yale, 75 decibels is roughly equivalent to the sound of a vacuum cleaner.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decibels
Noun
-
October 23 – November 21 Your focus cuts through noise and moves things forward.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Your focus cuts through noise and moves things forward.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Staff remembered him for his calm temperament, distinctive mane and loud roar — as well as a goofy streak, the zoo said.—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Shadows and strange sounds can set imaginations whirring—from the guttural roar of a hunting lion to the giggling calls of a feasting hyena pack.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decibels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decibels. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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