DETERIORATE Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

deteriorate

verb

di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt

Definition of deteriorate

as in to worsen

to become worse or of less value the garden slowly deteriorated after months of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to degrade

to lower in character, dignity, or quality childish name-calling that merely deteriorates what should be a serious discussion on an important issue

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 deteriorate Massillon’s courage Throughout the attacks, Massillon was the first official to alert journalists, describing the deteriorating security situation while also appealing for help. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 But the building hasn’t housed anyone since early 2025, when SHO moved everyone out due to deteriorating building conditions. — Thomas Gounley, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026 However, these fragile states can deteriorate through interactions with the environment and imperfections in hardware. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 Johnson in March 2026 observed that Jones’ mental health had deteriorated in the previous three months. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deteriorate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deteriorate

Verb

The concern is, if the trade wars continue or worsen, that there will be an even steeper decline to the industry area was built on.

— Saige Miller, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Those issues worsened when sixth-year receiver Ben Ford exited Saturday’s game at halftime with an injury, after already recording four catches for 45 yards.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of worsen

Verb

As a side benefit, because only the tread is in contact with the road, the rest of the tire could be made of non-traditional polymers that don't degrade into tiny particles under force of friction.

— Ben Coxworth October 07, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026
Local farms face ever degrading soil conditions, tougher markets and more extreme weather patterns.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of degrade

Verb

By Saturday night, Long Beach reported that seawater had entered homes and into streets, with the city’s Peninsula neighborhood being hard hit, and its boardwalk crumbling.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
As Ray goes down the rabbit hole, the shiny facade of Metropia and Megamax (which is, notably and obviously evil from the start) begin to crumble.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of crumble

Verb

Once Isaias comes ashore, it is expected to weaken until it is downgraded to a tropical storm by Saturday afternoon, the hurricane center said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Last but certainly not least, there’s the focus on communicating local relevancy as a differentiator without weakening brand equity and DNA.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

When Albin returned to the question of which country posed the greater threat to American interests, el Sayed again declined to choose between them, arguing that both had demonstrated the capacity to cause harm.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Courtesy of Heineken, 2026 Caton declined to say how many European jobs will go, citing ongoing consultation with staff and the European Works Council.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

Delphi sits above a geologic vent, an X from which noxious gases escaped the earth, corrupting the minds of women who inhaled and pronounced their prophecies.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026
The audience is interacting with an object that had been scanned, that had been corrupted in some way.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of corrupt

Verb

As the town and its residents descend into chaos after a massive iceberg emerges from the water, Calvin realizes it might all be connected to his father’s accident.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
The statement said the weapon separated from its booster rocket at the planned altitude, then descended and maneuvered both vertically and horizontally before hitting a test target.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of descend

Verb

The National Weather Service said rainfall was diminishing in the area but that rapid river rises and flooding remained possible.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
The culture surrounding the use of alcohol has diminished in younger generations, at least anecdotally, Haddock said.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminish

Browse Nearby Words

deterging

deteriorate

deteriorated

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Cite this Entry

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“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deteriorate. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deteriorate

verb

Example Sentences

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