deteriorate

verb

di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce deteriorate (audio)
Definition of deterioratenext
1
as in to worsen
to become worse or of less value the garden slowly deteriorated after months of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 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 See All Example Sentences for deteriorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deteriorate
  1. worsen
  2. degrade
  3. crumble
  4. weaken
  5. decline
  6. corrupt
  7. descend
  8. diminish
Verb
  • Her chances at having a baby only seemed to worsen in 2014, when a colorectal surgeon attempted to reposition her stoma — an opening in the abdomen through which waste exits the body — to make pregnancy possible, but the surgery was unsuccessful.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Considering Intel's guidance on the worsening PC slowdown, commentary on current-quarter demand will carry more weight than the September-quarter results.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • Neither of those seats was a Democratic target at the start of this election cycle, but both races saw later investment as the environment appeared to degrade for Republicans.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The experiments will test whether the reactor’s exhaust system can endure the punishment of such high-performance plasma without degrading.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of degrade
Verb
  • Before it was demolished in the early 1800s, his crumbling mansion was said to be haunted by ghosts and strange occurrences.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • While the bread is toasting, cook sausage in a large skillet, crumbling it into pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, 3 minutes.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • An evening spent practicing, creating, or enjoying your own company can strengthen your life outside the group without weakening the friendship.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The grid, however, was already weakened given a lack of maintenance and investment.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • The researchers found that PIEZO1 levels declined over time in both mouse and human bone.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Indiana Supreme Court declined to intervene Wednesday night.
    — KIM CHANDLER, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of decline
Verb
  • Such errors can corrupt calculations without necessarily activating standard monitoring systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Cartels instead target local leaders, either corrupting them or killing those who stand in their way.
    — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of corrupt
Verb
  • That levity is something Great Jobs could use more of; the mood can occasionally be so smothering as to descend into mild sterility.
    — Lisle Younger, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Six Flags plans to add seat belts to certain coasters that use a descending lap bar similar to the one on Georgia’s Goliath ride.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of descend
Verb
  • Except in the extreme, legislators are loath to devalue local autonomy while also prioritizing delivery of state aid to diminish local tax burdens.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • While rain chances will diminish, clouds will hang tough through much of the day, and northeast winds will pick up slightly to 5 to 10 mph.
    — Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of diminish

Browse Nearby Words

deterging
deteriorate
deteriorated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deteriorate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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