as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
in the years following the closing of the last textile mill, the town atrophied
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in degeneration
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of atrophy
Michael Snyder, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
This is precisely the purpose of AI that enhances humanity: to amplify our humanity, not to atrophy it or distance us from it.
—Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Indeed, technology distracts people and atrophies their listening skills.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Verb
In March 2022, a doctor in Philadelphia explained that one of my vocal cords was atrophying.
—Michael Snyder, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
This is precisely the purpose of AI that enhances humanity: to amplify our humanity, not to atrophy it or distance us from it.
—Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
The first symptom to appear is diabetes mellitus, usually diagnosed around age six, and optic atrophy (progressive vision loss) around age 11.
—Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Indeed, technology distracts people and atrophies their listening skills.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atrophy
Verb
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Seeing Postecoglou snap at such a mild remark demonstrated how much the Australian’s relationship with the fans has deteriorated.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Wood shelves in dry food storage area were deteriorated.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacramento Bee,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The effect is particularly pronounced for cells that are very energy-hungry, like brain cells – causing the gradual degeneration seen with Parkinson’s disease.—
Michael Irving,
New Atlas,
13 Mar. 2025
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Importantly, Alan explained that methylene blue can cross from the bloodstream into the brain—a key factor for effectively treating cognitive diseases related to brain cell degeneration.—
Cathy Nelson,
Health,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Big Savage Mountain, Bear Pen, and Dan’s Mountain Wildlands all provide valuable habitat for our declining bird populations.—
Noël Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Recent polls have suggested that dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the economy is a key factor in his declining popularity.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Kahle, who early on recognized the ephemeral nature of the web, said the rapid deterioration of the living web is a serious threat to historical preservation.—
Emma Bowman,
NPR,
23 Mar. 2025
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Of course, however, a severe deterioration in the U.S. economy would have global repercussions.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Stress can worsen blood sugar levels and cause potential other complications.—
Alysse Dalessandro,
Health,
29 Mar. 2025
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The impact has been particularly hard on egg-producing farms, leading to higher egg prices — a scenario worsened by the massive scale at which many U.S. producers operate.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Since then, the levels have been adjusted to a maximum of 0.7 ppm or 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water, which is considered optimal for preventing tooth decay.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
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Weak or absent pulse Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Some people with severe arterial blockages develop chronic limb-threatening ischemia (insufficient blood flow), which can cause severe, constant pain, gangrene (tissue decay), and even limb loss (amputation).—
Alicen Nelson MD,
Verywell Health,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Impossible to answer because even near-perfect baseball teams can crumble in October.—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Almost every episode gathers all possible defendants, Agatha Christie-style, to point the finger at someone who conveniently crumbles for the flimsiest of reasons.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The country has descended into violent disarray in the forthcoming thriller feature All the Lost Ones.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2025
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However, the meeting descends into a chaotic argument between Zelensky and Trump after Vice President JD Vance attacks Zelensky and suggests Ukraine should use diplomacy to end the war, accusing him of not wanting peace.—
Antoinette Radford,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Atrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atrophy. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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