1
as in drop
the act or process of going to a lower level or altitude
the airplane began its gradual descent to the landing field
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
the family patriarch's heartbreaking descent into infirmity and senility
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in degradation
a change to a lower state or level
the nation's rapid descent into anarchy after the revolution
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in demise
a loss of status
for throwing the game, the ballplayer underwent a huge descent in the eyes of the fans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in invasion
a sudden attack on and entrance into hostile territory
the lightning descent of the invading army on that unsuspecting border town
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in assault
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
the descent of the voracious locusts on the wheat fields
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in ancestry
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
a person of Finnish descent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in downhill
a downward slope
on bicycle tours the ascents always seem to outnumber the descents
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 descent
Aidan Lee, 23, who is of Mexican and South Korean descent, definitely stuck out in his red South Korea jersey.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Against this backdrop of denial and delays, the United Nations recently called for reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.
—
Marcus Anthony Hunter,
Time,
19 June 2026
The singer was raised in Florida; his father is of Irish and Scottish descent and his mother is from Puerto Rico.
—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Valerie Chu is of Chinese-Taiwanese descent, also first generation.
—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for descent
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Against this backdrop of denial and delays, the United Nations recently called for reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.
—
Marcus Anthony Hunter,
Time,
19 June 2026
The singer was raised in Florida; his father is of Irish and Scottish descent and his mother is from Puerto Rico.
—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Valerie Chu is of Chinese-Taiwanese descent, also first generation.
—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for descent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descent
Noun
-
Mix one drop of castile soap with 16 ounces of warm water in a spray bottle.
-
Retailers face challenges from SNAP cuts and consumer fatigue, needing to demonstrate value as price drops will be delayed for months.
Noun
-
The National Institute of Standards and Technology said long-term corrosion and the failure of multiple slab-to-column connections likely contributed to a progressive collapse after weeks of structural deterioration.
-
Heston is at his most gleefully cynical as Robert Thorn, a police detective who lives and works in a New York City decimated by environmental deterioration and dwindling resources.
Noun
-
The building had long-term degradation from corrosion, too.
-
Researchers worldwide continue to struggle with issues such as low ionic conductivity, interface degradation, manufacturing complexity, and cost.
Noun
-
In a sense, Western multinationals unwittingly created their chief global competitors, along with the conditions for their own demise.
-
Iserson also touched on Ponies‘ modest viewership, which ultimately led to its demise despite strong critical acclaim.
Noun
-
According to Holtz, Whittingham was charged with murder, first-degree assault, first-degree assault on an elderly person and home invasion.
-
The virtual hysteria over the muskrat invasion resulted in Britain’s first legislation to target a non-native invasive species.
Noun
-
According to Holtz, Whittingham was charged with murder, first-degree assault, first-degree assault on an elderly person and home invasion.
-
Atanas Hristev, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon late last month, according to court records.
Noun
-
More than 40 million people worldwide claim Scottish ancestry, and many are in South Florida right now for the big World Cup match between Scotland and Brazil on Wednesday.
-
In an era of rising costs, uncertainty, and desire for greater family security, millions of Americans may already hold the key in their ancestry.
Noun
-
Spanning 7,045 yards from the tips, this is a fun and fair thrill ride right from your opening downhill tee shot.
-
Castle has mixed up playing on and off the ball so that his downhill, slow style could come out when needed.
Cite this Entry
“Descent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descent. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
