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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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 Conventional cotton farming leads to soil degeneration due to intensive use of pesticides and contributes to climate irregularities. —

Judith Magyar, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 The damage consisted of early brain cell degeneration and large tears to his septum pellucidum. —

Emiliana Betancourt, Variety, 18 Sep. 2024 Joint degeneration: Over time, the cartilage in joints wears down, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. —

Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024 This degeneration is a common cause of knee pain in older adults. —

Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for degeneration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneration

Noun

Coined as far back as 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the idea of mental deterioration from trivial distractions has never been more relevant.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Tedeschi credits Park Road with heroic work on the Maysles footage, which was delivered to them in various stages of deterioration.

Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024