1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level
the organization's degeneration from a movement for political reform to just another political party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weakening
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
the troubling degeneration of his memory since he reached middle age
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
the general degeneration that characterized so many old mining towns, which had only drinking and gambling for entertainment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 degeneration
How to know if your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis
Stiffness and difficulty getting up are some of the common signs a dog suffers from osteoarthritis, which the ASPCA defines as inflammation and degeneration in the joint.
—
Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
The native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, was diagnosed with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a disease that causes vision loss due to a degeneration of the optic nerve.
—Candace Oehler, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Without enough magnesium, your body cannot regulate its calcium levels, potentially resulting in peripheral nerve degeneration.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
The programs utilizing these elements are divided into four types: detox and ideal weight achievement; optimal mental and physical performance; restoration of maximum vitality and balance and slow down of cellular degeneration to promote well-aging.
—Laurie Werner, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for degeneration
Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
The native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, was diagnosed with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a disease that causes vision loss due to a degeneration of the optic nerve.
—Candace Oehler, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Without enough magnesium, your body cannot regulate its calcium levels, potentially resulting in peripheral nerve degeneration.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
The programs utilizing these elements are divided into four types: detox and ideal weight achievement; optimal mental and physical performance; restoration of maximum vitality and balance and slow down of cellular degeneration to promote well-aging.
—Laurie Werner, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for degeneration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneration
Noun
-
His environmental project launched the Institute’s research via an extensive study of the relationship between business practices and environmental deterioration.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Shot over five tumultuous years, the film traces Noam’s journey in tandem with the region’s steady deterioration.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Warming is also altering rain patterns, accelerating droughts, facilitating the spread of devastating diseases like pod rot, and contributing to soil degradation.—
Ayurella Horn-Muller,
WIRED,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Finding the right chemistry The degradation of battery performance is largely a matter of its key components gradually dropping out of use within the battery.—
John Timmer,
Ars Technica,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Why Leaders Are Resigning: The Three Critical Factors Erosion Of Trust in Leadership The report shows that only 29% of employees trust their immediate managers—a dramatic decline.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
In total, German exports added up to 1.56 trillion euros last year, a 1.2% decline compared with 2023.—
ASSOCIATED PRESS,
TIME,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The trooper announced her presence and entered the home and noted there was a strong odor of decay coming from both doorways, according to the warrant affidavit.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Mutations in another group of genes cause weaker tooth enamel, raising the risk of decay.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The mayor has been under sharp scrutiny since President Trump’s Department Justice Department last week ordered prosecutors in his federal corruption case to drop the criminal charges against him.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Four senior deputies to New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced their resignations Monday after the Justice Department moved to dismiss his corruption case.—
Zach Halaschak,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.—
WWD,
WWD,
3 Sep. 2019
-
Thomas said the sheriff's office presented the case to the district attorney's office for declination purposes only because of Suff's prior convictions and death sentence.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC News,
15 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Degeneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degeneration. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share