1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level
English teachers bemoaning the degradation of the language that e-mail and instant messaging have allegedly brought about
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in corruption
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
the belief that moral degradation is an unmistakable sign of a nation in decline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of degradation
The birds went extinct on the Honshu main island in the 1970s, threatened by overhunting and environmental degradation.
—
ABC News, 31 May 2026
The good news is that Starship’s heat shield appeared to function well during reentry, with fewer signs of damage or degradation as the vehicle splashed down northwest of Australia.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Everything has been tested for quality over time, along with durability post-laundering to note any pilling or degradation over time.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
The vast degradation of Iran has cut Hamas off from its foremost ally, leaving it more vulnerable than ever.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
ABC News, 31 May 2026
The good news is that Starship’s heat shield appeared to function well during reentry, with fewer signs of damage or degradation as the vehicle splashed down northwest of Australia.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Everything has been tested for quality over time, along with durability post-laundering to note any pilling or degradation over time.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
The vast degradation of Iran has cut Hamas off from its foremost ally, leaving it more vulnerable than ever.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degradation
Noun
-
Once that protective layer is compromised, even minor openings can lead to ongoing water intrusion that causes leaks, wood damage, microbial growth and structural deterioration over time.—
David Nye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
-
Membrane degradation, electrolyte deterioration and unnecessary stress on the electrolysis system all reduce asset value over time.—
Gregory Shahnovsky,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Rubio acknowledged that the current arrangement may not be permanent, but described it as a significant departure from the corruption and patronage structures that dominated Venezuela during the Chávez and Maduro years.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2026
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Becerra has not been accused of wrongdoing in the corruption case, though that did not stop Steyer’s campaign from suggesting he might be indicted in eleventh-hour TV ads that drew a cease-and-desist warning from Becerra’s attorney.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
But the decline actually ended years ago, and the latest numbers from the American Booksellers Association show independent stores expanding at a pace not seen this century.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
-
Mutant cells in the aging brain, meanwhile, appear to contribute to cognitive decline.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
The Phillies, off to an even worse start at 9-19, relieved Rob Thomson of his managerial duties Tuesday, and with Cora’s declination, named bench coach Don Mattingly interim skipper.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.—
Ken B. Morales,
ProPublica,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dollar debasement Emmanuel Cau, head of European equity strategy at Barclays, expects the euro to extend recent gains against the dollar.—
Michael Considine,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Bakri’s face is impassive and exhausted during this casual debasement, his voice low, and his tone deadpan, as though Salim has been forced to do all this a million times before.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degradation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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