1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level
English teachers bemoaning the degradation of the language that e-mail and instant messaging have allegedly brought about
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in corruption
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
the belief that moral degradation is an unmistakable sign of a nation in decline
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of degradation
Multiple runs were conducted under international signal degradation, and all platforms maintained mission performance through alternate navigation and timing solutions.
—
Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Everyone suffers from the degradation of public services.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
In an age when polarized politics have whipped extremists into a frenzy and disagreeing with someone’s views justifies physical assault among fringe elements, the assault on Omar is a new abysmal milestone of societal degradation.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Yet even under the best conditions, a growing body of evidence shows that the absolute decoupling of gross domestic product (GDP) from environmental degradation—growing the economy while simultaneously reducing resource use, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution—is impossible.
—Olivier De Schutter, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Everyone suffers from the degradation of public services.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
In an age when polarized politics have whipped extremists into a frenzy and disagreeing with someone’s views justifies physical assault among fringe elements, the assault on Omar is a new abysmal milestone of societal degradation.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Yet even under the best conditions, a growing body of evidence shows that the absolute decoupling of gross domestic product (GDP) from environmental degradation—growing the economy while simultaneously reducing resource use, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution—is impossible.
—Olivier De Schutter, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degradation
Noun
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To be sure, the deterioration in human rights protections predates Trump’s return to office.—
Philippe Bolopion,
Time,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Why Gasket Maintenance Is Essential A dirty gasket leads to deterioration of the seal, which can cause temperature fluctuations, spoiled food, and bacterial growth.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Advertisement Both Paxton’s baggage and his history of using his office to troll Democrats is a central feature in the Republican primary, which has devolved into a barrage of personal attacks of betrayal, adultery, and corruption.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
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Nearly four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine was up one point at 36 after an energy sector corruption scandal forced high-level resignations.—
Geir Moulson,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The decline in future spending commitments is projected to lead to 670,000 and 1,600,000 lives lost annually.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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The cuts mark a steep decline for the historic newsroom, which has lost subscribers following controversial editorial decisions by owner Jeff Bezos.—
David Bauder,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Nachmanoff pressed the Justice Department over whether a formal declination memo deciding against charges for Comey exists.—
Ella Lee,
The Hill,
19 Nov. 2025
-
McLaughlin characterized the Fullerton officer’s response as a declination to help.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Oc Register,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Over and over, Colin takes stock of his own debasement.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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Bitcoin has failed to respond to typical drivers like dollar weakness or geopolitical risk, unlike gold and silver which rallied to records as global tensions fueled fears about dollar debasement.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degradation. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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