Definition of degeneracynext
1
2

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 shoot gives Henry a chance to argue with his uncle, who acknowledges that Henry’s recurrent depression is real — he’s previously been prescribed lithium — but has no patience for his nephew’s degeneracy. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2026 This uncertainty, called mass–distance degeneracy, meant that earlier detections could not rule out heavier objects such as brown dwarfs. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Jan. 2026 Reformers seized on this as both a public-health and a moral crisis; for many Progressives, dirt itself was a sign of degeneracy. Jacob Beckert, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2025 Why subject your kids to degeneracy and violence? Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for degeneracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneracy
Noun
  • One man’s modernity is, of course, another’s degradation, and, as dinner was served, the conversation turned to such recent innovations as ghost runners, pitch clocks, and robot umps, none of them to Murray’s liking.
    Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Critical rehabilitation work has begun on about 1 ½ miles of sanitary sewer pipe in Macomb County, Michigan, after utility crews found severe degradation in the line.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The Criminal Division will not allow foreign actors to exploit the American financial system and use it as a safe haven for the proceeds of their corruption.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • The vote on March 22 was marred by allegations of foreign influence and corruption.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Prolonged vacancy has caused structural deterioration and the historic Centennial Hill neighborhood surrounding it faces pressure from development.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 May 2026
  • Long vacant, the building suffers from structural deterioration.
    Neda Ulaby, NPR, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • The Phillies, off to an even worse start at 9-19, relieved Rob Thomson of his managerial duties Tuesday, and with Cora’s declination, named bench coach Don Mattingly interim skipper.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.
    Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, in 2023, at a time when I was exhausted from the seeming futility of constantly writing and talking about it, fascism and the decline of democracy became popular topics in the mainstream media.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • The announcement comes on the heels of the struggling burger chain reporting its fifth straight quarter of same-store sales declines and rumors of a potential take-private deal led by Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • These and others make a katabasis, a descent to death.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • The column got mostly positive reactions — well, except from media outlets that are cheering on our descent into authoritarianism.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The film feels fresh and off-the-cuff, as if someone traveled back to 1940 with an iPhone and hit record, chronicling the dark years of far-right obedience and moral decadence.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
  • In contrast to contemporaries like Mette Ingvartsen, Anne Imhof, or Miet Warlop, Holzinger consistently references artistic subjects and themes connected to fin de siècle decadence.
    Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Degeneracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degeneracy. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on degeneracy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster