DEGENERATION Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'degeneration' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of degeneration are decadence , decline , and deterioration . While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression. // the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

Q: When can 'decadence' be used instead of 'degeneration'?

Although the words decadence and degeneration have much in common, 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

Q: How are the words 'decline' and 'decadence' related as synonyms of 'degeneration'?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'deterioration' take the place of 'degeneration'?

The words deterioration and degeneration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness. // the deterioration of the house through neglect

degeneration

noun

di-ˌje-nə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of degeneration next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weakening

a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body the troubling degeneration of his memory since he reached middle age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun degeneration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of degeneration are decadence, decline, and deterioration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When can decadence be used instead of degeneration?

Although the words decadence and degeneration have much in common, 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 as synonyms of degeneration?

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

In what contexts can deterioration take the place of degeneration?

The words deterioration and degeneration 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 degeneration New hope for patients with spinal cord injuries or degeneration Each year, up to half a million people worldwide suffer a spinal cord injury—and countless others are impacted by the devastating effects. —

Nbc Universal, NBC News, 7 July 2023 Researchers believe that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in fresh and dried garlic may help reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against nerve cell degeneration, which could help support overall brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.4 3. —

Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 Dec. 2024 In the spring of 1993, nerve degeneration from ALS began causing Woody’s speech to slur. —

Shaun Raviv, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2020 Veterinary care slowed the degeneration, but Moogan eventually lost almost all his vision. —

Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for degeneration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneration

Noun

Based on the deterioration of the relationship, a trade — as soon as possible — would appear the preferred alternative, particularly with this latest two-game suspension to otherwise put Butler back in play for the Heat as soon as Monday night’s game against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
For women, especially, working could, therefore, be dangerous for them physically and could lead to the deterioration of their health: a result that could adversely affect their roles as mothers and their subsequent responsibility to raise future generations, especially boys.

— Eva Epker, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025