1
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
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
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Recent Examples of deteriorate
The carbon nanotubes are highly sensitive at room temperature, enabling Bassil to select a larger range of gas-sensitive materials, including those that might deteriorate at high temperatures – polymers are one example.
—
Shirl Leigh
june 26,
New Atlas,
26 June 2026
Breaking them down to save for a later date isn’t enough, as bugs will still nestle their way in even as the cardboard deteriorates.
—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2026
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated since armed groups took control of most of Port-au-Prince in 2024.
—
Tirana Hassan,
Time,
26 June 2026
As their play deteriorated, the Mets finally bottomed out.
—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deteriorate
Shirl Leigh
june 26,
New Atlas,
26 June 2026
Breaking them down to save for a later date isn’t enough, as bugs will still nestle their way in even as the cardboard deteriorates.
—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2026
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated since armed groups took control of most of Port-au-Prince in 2024.
—
Tirana Hassan,
Time,
26 June 2026
As their play deteriorated, the Mets finally bottomed out.
—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deteriorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deteriorate
Verb
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The uninterrupted sun dries out soil increasing drought risk, and light winds allow pollutants to build up, worsening air quality, particularly in urban areas.
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People in the area are advised to remain ready to leave again if conditions worsen.
Verb
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When temperatures rise, heat can quietly degrade pantry staples, making refrigeration essential to preserve quality and flavor.
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If leaders are not present and actively developing people, the system degrades—quietly at first, then all at once.
Verb
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Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well.
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Survivors say that doors to the facility were locked and that migrants were left to die inside crumbling walls.
Verb
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Vcg | Visual China Group | Getty Images BEIJING — China’s consumer spending slowdown persisted in June, with growth during one of the country’s largest online shopping festivals weakening sharply from a year earlier.
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All three of those protagonists have been weakened in their roles by what has gone on.
Verb
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After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.
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In May, during a tense commission meeting, a majority of commissioners declined to give her a raise after her first year on the job.
Verb
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Forgetting his bond with the land, Mariano awakens the Ch’iqmi, a dark force that corrupts his people.
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Lander has argued Goldman, the multimillionaire heir to the Levi jeans fortune, embodies establishment, corporate interests that corrupt the Democratic Party.
Verb
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Another witness said Lopez stood up twice as the aircraft began descending into Las Vegas, went to the restroom, then returned to his seat before suddenly launching the attack.
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Around 1,000 attendees are expected to descend on Madison Square Garden over the next two days to celebrate the union of the music superstar and Super Bowl champion.
Verb
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Historically, after that period, the chances of survival without a water source diminish rapidly.
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Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to insufficient or poor sleep, compromising the immune system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminishing cognitive performance.
Cite this Entry
“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deteriorate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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