1
as in degradation
a change to a lower state or level
the sad degeneracy of the old neighborhood into a slum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in corruption
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
the degeneracy of the family into a gang of petty thieves
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 degeneracy
The Pauli degeneracy pressure helps hold up the stellar remnant against gravitational collapse, preventing a black hole from forming.
—
Big Think, 13 Jan. 2025
For instance, the previous survey (four years ago) suggested that a quantum effect called Electron degeneracy pressure prevents the core from collapsing.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2024
The minimum size of a white dwarf is controlled by something called electron degeneracy pressure.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024
If the mother relied on devices, media, or a nanny to provide care, her children were widely believed to be in danger of sliding into degeneracy.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for degeneracy
Big Think, 13 Jan. 2025
For instance, the previous survey (four years ago) suggested that a quantum effect called Electron degeneracy pressure prevents the core from collapsing.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2024
The minimum size of a white dwarf is controlled by something called electron degeneracy pressure.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024
If the mother relied on devices, media, or a nanny to provide care, her children were widely believed to be in danger of sliding into degeneracy.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for degeneracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneracy
Noun
-
In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that projected coral reef degradation in Florida could increase the coastal flood risk to more than 7,300 people at the cost of $823.6 million annually.—
Rafe Pomerance,
Sun Sentinel,
6 July 2025
-
The administration cited the degradation of the current FBI complex as a reason for the move.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Ken Paxton, who has served in his current role since 2015, was impeached in 2023 but later acquitted and faced allegations of corruption and taking part in an extramarital affair.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
11 July 2025
-
The announcement comes nearly two years after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was acquitted on all 16 articles of impeachment related to allegations of corruption and abuse of office.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
With deterioration continuing, a 2014 study recommended the entire span be replaced.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
Corrosion is one of the leading causes of conventional RC infrastructure deterioration, often requiring extensive repairs and maintenance.—
Carol Cain,
Freep.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.—
Lisa Zornberg,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
The sun's changing declination is what determines whether the sun's rays strike us at a low angle or more directly.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The condition leads to a decline in the ability to independently function, think and reason.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
-
Policy journals brim with articles about American decline and the advent of multipolarity.—
Hal Brands,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Fereshteh Hosseini, an Iranian actress of Afghan descent, was a natural choice for her role due to both her talent and presence.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
-
Today, two-thirds of all Canadians of French descent can trace their lineage to one of these women, widely known as the filles du roi or the King’s Daughters.—
Ann Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Protesters drew a stark contrast between the decadence of Bezos and Sanchez’s wedding the day before and the harsh realities of working at the billionaire’s company.—
Sharon Braithwaite,
CNN Money,
28 June 2025
-
The song resurrects the romantic decadence of the early ’70s crooners — evoking icons like José José and Camilo Sesto — while infusing it with cool, sophisticated beats that feel intimate and cinematic.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Degeneracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degeneracy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share