Synonyms of deteriorates

deteriorates

verb

present tense third-person singular of deteriorate

1

as in worsens

to become worse or of less value

the garden slowly deteriorated after months of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

• worsens
• crumbles
• descends
• declines
• diminishes
• degenerates
• devolves
• rots
• decays
• atrophies
• regresses
• sinks
• weakens
• disintegrates
• ebbs
• retrogrades
• degrades
• sags
• wanes
• decomposes
• goes to seed
• falls
• dwindles
• recedes
• reduces
• goes to pot
• downsizes
• slips
• sours
• putrefies
• corrupts
• undermines
• abates
• lessens
• debilitates
• fails
• languishes
• droops
• dilapidates
• de-escalates
• spoils
• lags
• lowers
• wilts
• breaks down
• runs down
• molders
• wastes (away)
• flags

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improves
• ameliorates
• intensifies
• enhances
• strengthens
• progresses
• develops
• upgrades
• enriches
• heightens
• meliorates
• fortifies
• advances
• proceeds
• betters
• marches

2

as in degrades

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

• degrades
• weakens
• corrupts
• humiliates
• destroys
• subverts
• dilutes
• lessens
• poisons
• debauches
• demeans
• debases
• damages
• prostitutes
• vitiates
• perverts
• demoralizes
• pollutes
• ruins
• depraves
• warps
• cheapens
• taints
• thins
• hurts
• disgraces
• abases
• contaminates
• impairs
• mars
• bastardizes
• shames
• humbles
• harms
• cankers
• profanes
• tarnishes
• descends
• dirties
• flaws
• wrecks
• waters down
• spoils
• defiles
• dishonors
• depreciates
• begrimes
• stains
• befouls
• defaces
• takes down
• downgrades
• blemishes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improves
• elevates
• uplifts
• ennobles
• enhances
• exalts
• dignifies
• enriches
• ameliorates
• honors
• restores
• amends
• perfects
• clarifies
• cleans
• refines
• betters
• purifies
• respects
• cleanses
• meliorates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deteriorates

Teams remain busy while the quality of decisions quietly deteriorates. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Though concrete is a durable surface, concrete driveway repair is needed when the surface deteriorates and develops cracks over the years. — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

The Danish shipping giant said contingency plans were in place in the event the security situation deteriorates. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 July 2026

The delivery was a glimmer of good news in a living situation that deteriorates by the day. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Meetings grow tense, and communication deteriorates. — Niurys Robaina, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

There’s less maintenance and less investment in them, so the individual property deteriorates. — Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026

When the foliage deteriorates in hot summer weather, cut back the foliage. — Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 June 2026

Accuracy also deteriorates when people are wearing heavy makeup and for young children and old people because their landmark features tend to change more quickly than adults of other ages. — Vijayan Asari, The Conversation, 2 June 2026