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

When incentives are separated from consequences, judgement often deteriorates and execution stalls. — Susana Cabrera, Forbes.com, 29 July 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

And if Kane deteriorates in his late-30s, as so many do, well, people will still pay to see him. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 23 July 2026

In Gosha’s case, that involves getting mixed up with gangsters at a seedy nightclub, a sequence that quickly deteriorates from being mildly comical to sinister to outright terrifying by even degrees. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 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