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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun deterioration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deterioration are decadence, decline, and degeneration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

When can decadence be used instead of deterioration?

In some situations, the words decadence and deterioration are roughly equivalent. However, decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

How do decline and decadence relate to one another, in the sense of deterioration?

Decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

When could degeneration be used to replace deterioration?

The words degeneration and deterioration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

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 deterioration Most of the time, the summer slide—in other words, the deterioration of intellectual skills gained during the school year, during a period when kids are on breaks—is associated with a student’s reading skills, says Alexander. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 25 June 2025 The disease causes deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, a process that sets off a series of worsening symptoms. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025 Voting along ideological lines is viewed aspart of the deterioration of the public's confidence in the nation's highest court. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 Among them: a deterioration in friendship networks (especially among men) along with a corresponding rise in rates of depression and anxiety among many different age groups. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for deterioration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterioration
Noun
  • In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that projected coral reef degradation in Florida could increase the coastal flood risk to more than 7,300 people at the cost of $823.6 million annually.
    Rafe Pomerance, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • The administration cited the degradation of the current FBI complex as a reason for the move.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Sections of peeling bark or cracks in the bark can signal infestation or decay.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
  • This reflects the idea of decay or rot associated with damp, earthy conditions.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • However, the revival of games like Brawl Stars proves that decline is not inevitable.
    Pawan Gaargi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • However, the decline in traditional alcohol consumption may be exaggerated.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.
    Lisa Zornberg, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The changing declination also defines the daily arc that the sun takes across the sky, thereby accounting for the length of daylight.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterioration. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deterioration

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