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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of degradation
The Russian attrition rate is high, Kuper said, comparing Moscow's army degradation to a sports team with multiple squads -- an A team, B team, C team and so on.
—
David Brennan, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Legalized prostitution enables and legitimizes the degradation of human beings, especially women who make up the majority of prostitutes.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
There is potential for current or planned actions in orbit to cause serious degradation of the orbital environment or lead to catastrophic outcomes, creating the urgent need to find better ways to quantify stress on the orbital environment.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
However, the often suffer from limited infrared absorption, angular sensitivity, high manufacturing costs, and thermal degradation over long-term thermal exposure.
—New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
David Brennan, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Legalized prostitution enables and legitimizes the degradation of human beings, especially women who make up the majority of prostitutes.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
There is potential for current or planned actions in orbit to cause serious degradation of the orbital environment or lead to catastrophic outcomes, creating the urgent need to find better ways to quantify stress on the orbital environment.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
However, the often suffer from limited infrared absorption, angular sensitivity, high manufacturing costs, and thermal degradation over long-term thermal exposure.
—New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degradation
Noun
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Work being done to reduce ponding, draining issues Jason Molinero, the deputy director of the Allegheny County Department of Public Works, said ponding and draining issues are frequent on Campbells Run Road, eventually eating away at pavement and causing premature deterioration.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
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The Best Freezer Storage Tips Practice good storage techniques to maximize the time foods can be kept in the freezer to prevent deterioration.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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It isn’t accompanied with authorities investigating disappearances, murders, corruption or even necessarily halting the flow of drugs.—
Angélica Durán-Martínez,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2026
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But this candid and absorbing memoir is also a stark reminder of the corruptions of power, the uncertainties of revolution and the frequent viciousness of human nature.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Conte was a bad fit from the start and played a small part in their decline.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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The refusal to engage with the media contrasts Davis’ predecessors and contributes to a sharp decline in transparency at the Forty Acres, which also lost its faculty senate, a long-standing public forum that allowed faculty to question the president directly.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Federal regulations require special counsels to provide the attorney general with a report that explain prosecution or declination decisions once their work is concluded.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
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Of the 395 complaints the division received, 306 were resolved through determinations or declinations.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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 3 Mar. 2026.
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