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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun decadence differ from other similar words?

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

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 decadence?

The words degeneration and decadence can be used in similar contexts, but degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When might deterioration be a better fit than decadence?

The words deterioration and decadence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

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 decadence Faithfull’s heritage was one of intrigue, decadence and fallen empires. Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 Baggy bombers were spotted on the runway at Saint Laurent’s spring 2025 fashion show, which clearly nodded to the decade of decadence, while boho styles — including Penny Lane coats — have seen a major resurgence in the past year. Hannah Malach, WWD, 9 Mar. 2025 Evoking the same decadence as an ultra creamy and sweet dessert, this mist is a velvety gourmand. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025 The work recalls a kind of primeval decadence, in the best sense of that word. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
  • Submersible visits over the years have shown an increase in its deterioration, with rust and microorganisms eating away at the ship's metal. Dives over more than a decade have shown the ship is falling apart.
    George Petras, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
  • That could mean that rate cuts are pushed off until much later this year or even delayed until next year if that deterioration takes time to materialize.
    Colby Smith, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is, in part, about the degradation, devaluation, and replacement of writers.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate volatility have become immediate operational threats.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is a result of a profit-first capitalist system in crisis in the epoch of imperialism’s decline.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Gold’s warning What’s more, the spike in gold prices this year has continued to signal a risk-off mentality among investors, as gold tends to rally during periods of decline in stocks.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration is substantially scaling back the State Department's annual reports on international human rights to remove longstanding critiques of abuses such as harsh prison conditions, government corruption and restrictions on participation in the political process, NPR has learned.
    Graham Smith, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Thao has since been indicted for bribery and corruption.
    Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • The sun's changing declination is what determines whether the sun's rays strike us at a low angle or more directly.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But this particular glass squid observed during the descent held its arms loosely above its head in a maneuver called a cockatoo pose, which has been observed previously in glass squids.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
  • In Martinique and Guadeloupe, in contrast, where more than 80% of the population is of African descent, the poverty rates are 38% and 46%, respectively.
    Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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