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
By April 1848, however, conditions had deteriorated significantly.
—
Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
While there are no indications of any issues, such concentration remains a risk should the relationship between Walmart and General Mills deteriorate in any way.
—David Trainer, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
And Pakistan’s internal security landscape has deteriorated, as militant groups ramp up attacks in the country’s northeast, along the border with Afghanistan, and separatist insurgents test state control in the southwest.
—Zia Ur-Rehman, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The Context The Frederick Douglass Tunnel is designed to replace the Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel, which is more than 150 years old and restricts trains to 30 mph because of its tight curves and deteriorating structure.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deteriorate
Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
While there are no indications of any issues, such concentration remains a risk should the relationship between Walmart and General Mills deteriorate in any way.
—David Trainer, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
And Pakistan’s internal security landscape has deteriorated, as militant groups ramp up attacks in the country’s northeast, along the border with Afghanistan, and separatist insurgents test state control in the southwest.
—Zia Ur-Rehman, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The Context The Frederick Douglass Tunnel is designed to replace the Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel, which is more than 150 years old and restricts trains to 30 mph because of its tight curves and deteriorating structure.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deteriorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deteriorate
Verb
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What To Know According to the study published in Communications Earth & Environment, the states with the highest mortality rates from wildfire smoke worsened by climate change between 2006 and 2020 were in the West.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
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Delays also worsened, with 78.1% of flights arriving on time last year, down from 78.3% in 2023.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Plus, this rash guard’s fabric blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays, though keep in mind that frequent laundering will degrade the UV-blocking ability over time.5 In general, it’s recommended that UPF clothing be replaced after 40-50 washes.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
19 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Erebus is at risk of degrading due to strong currents.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
19 May 2025
Verb
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One of the five Venezuelan opposition activists who recently escaped after more than a year confined inside the Argentine Embassy in Caracas says their dramatic rescue underscores the crumbling state of the Nicolas Maduro regime’s security forces.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2025
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Prosecutors say Read struck John O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV and left him to freeze and die on the front lawn of 34 Fairview Road in Canton in the early morning of Jan. 29, 2022, after yet another argument in their crumbling relationship.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
Verb
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In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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This includes adults who have weakened immune systems, cancer or other underlying health conditions, and some mental health conditions.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
21 May 2025
Verb
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While the cost of groceries, on average, declined, the report found the price of dining out got more expensive and is up about 4% from the past year.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Admittedly, Intel’s declining earnings in recent years, loss of market share to AMD in the PC and server sectors, and the broader transition from CPUs to GPUs in the AI era pose risks for the stock.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Absolute power may corrupt absolutely, but absolute wealth can separate the wealthy from reality.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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We were told that he was just morally corrupted by the White House, by Democrats in Congress.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 May 2025
Verb
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The haunting Frendo the Clown, which had been previously glimpsed dispatching teens in a potentially supernatural manner, descends on a farmhouse party filled with drunk teens.—
William Earl,
Variety,
14 May 2025
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Over 12 days, actors, directors, producers, influencers and the like will descend onto the carpeted steps — not just to promote their latest feature film at the high temple of world cinema, but also to turn a look.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Verb
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But missing those goals doesn’t diminish the importance of potentially revising the target, for which the Paris Agreement includes a review mechanism, Stokes said.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deteriorate. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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