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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of degradation
Fossil fuels remain the primary driver of global warming and ecosystem degradation, creating material risks to food systems, public health, infrastructure, and national economies.
—
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Before 1900, the degradation of water quality and habitat, human encroachment and unregulated harvest led to a 75% decline in North American otter populations.
—Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
With worsening climate change plus habitat degradation, pollution and other human influences, maintaining populations is likely going to be an uphill battle.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 20 Jan. 2026
Its inorganic nature also provides greater stability, reducing the risk of long-term degradation.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Before 1900, the degradation of water quality and habitat, human encroachment and unregulated harvest led to a 75% decline in North American otter populations.
—Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
With worsening climate change plus habitat degradation, pollution and other human influences, maintaining populations is likely going to be an uphill battle.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 20 Jan. 2026
Its inorganic nature also provides greater stability, reducing the risk of long-term degradation.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 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
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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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But health policy experts have warned the new strategy carries risks for corruption and missing the most vulnerable people.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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Under Erdoğan’s orders, prosecutors used charges of corruption, bribery, and support for terrorism to arrest Istanbul’s mayor and more than 100 other administrators of the Istanbul municipality.—
Kaya Genç,
The Dial,
3 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
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McLaughlin characterized the Fullerton officer’s response as a declination to help.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Oc Register,
10 Nov. 2025
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 8 Feb. 2026.
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