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

Viewers may scan a QR code for their own copy of the audio track, which deteriorates in sound quality with every download. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

When Ross was 14, he was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that, among other things, deteriorates the white matter in the brain. — Michael Spencer, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Iraola’s dismissal came as a surprise to a number of his players, although Catala, who later managed Larnaca, explains that there is a volatility to decision-making in Cyprus if form deteriorates. — Andy Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

As security deteriorates around the Gulf and prospects for a near-term peace deal recede, regional states are strengthening their defenses. — semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

When judgment deteriorates, every downstream outcome eventually reflects it. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Presidents fall, elections are held, and international interventions return — yet insecurity deepens and governance deteriorates. — José Singer, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

The ultra-rare condition, which affects about one in 150,000 infants, can lead to almost total vision loss by the late teens as the retina deteriorates over time. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026

As a result, the quality of life of those that work and live in these rural areas deteriorates. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026