Synonyms of deteriorate

deteriorate

verb

di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt 

1

as in to worsen

to become worse or of less value

the garden slowly deteriorated after months of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

• worsen
• crumble
• decline
• descend
• diminish
• rot
• degenerate
• devolve
• decay
• sink
• disintegrate
• weaken
• regress
• atrophy
• ebb
• retrograde
• sag
• degrade
• wane
• dwindle
• decompose
• recede
• fall
• go to seed
• reduce
• slip
• go to pot
• putrefy
• downsize
• undermine
• sour
• abate
• dilapidate
• spoil
• corrupt
• fail
• debilitate
• lessen
• languish
• wilt
• droop
• waste (away)
• de-escalate
• molder
• break down
• lower
• lag
• run down
• flag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improve
• better
• ameliorate
• upgrade
• intensify
• enhance
• strengthen
• develop
• enrich
• proceed
• meliorate
• heighten
• fortify
• progress
• advance
• march

2

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

• degrade
• weaken
• corrupt
• humiliate
• destroy
• poison
• dilute
• subvert
• damage
• ruin
• lessen
• debauch
• debase
• pervert
• deprave
• demean
• mar
• disgrace
• cheapen
• vitiate
• warp
• hurt
• prostitute
• pollute
• contaminate
• demoralize
• dirty
• bastardize
• abase
• impair
• taint
• shame
• canker
• harm
• thin
• humble
• wreck
• profane
• spoil
• water down
• tarnish
• defile
• dishonor
• flaw
• begrime
• stain
• depreciate
• descend
• take down
• downgrade
• befoul
• deface
• blemish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improve
• better
• elevate
• uplift
• enhance
• honor
• perfect
• ameliorate
• amend
• enrich
• exalt
• ennoble
• restore
• clarify
• refine
• clean
• dignify
• purify
• cleanse
• respect
• meliorate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deteriorate

Early in the cycle, Democrats were considered underdogs to retake the Senate, but that sentiment has shifted dramatically in their favor due to a deteriorating political environment for Republicans worsened by the war in Iran. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026

The dominance of drone warfare in this conflict makes aboveground travel extremely dangerous, and services and supplies have deteriorated sharply since May. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2026

By the time targets are missed, the underlying conditions may have been deteriorating for weeks. — Allison Mais, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

The humanitarian situation has deteriorated in recent months. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026