1
as in drop
the act or process of going to a lower level or altitude
the airplane began its gradual descent to the landing field
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2
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
the family patriarch's heartbreaking descent into infirmity and senility
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3
as in degradation
a change to a lower state or level
the nation's rapid descent into anarchy after the revolution
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4
as in demise
a loss of status
for throwing the game, the ballplayer underwent a huge descent in the eyes of the fans
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5
as in invasion
a sudden attack on and entrance into hostile territory
the lightning descent of the invading army on that unsuspecting border town
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6
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
the descent of the voracious locusts on the wheat fields
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7
as in ancestry
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
a person of Finnish descent
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8
as in downhill
a downward slope
on bicycle tours the ascents always seem to outnumber the descents
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of descent
Harris identifies as a Black woman of multicultural descent; her mother was born in India and her father was born in Jamaica.
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Matthew Crowley, Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
In Dearborn, where 55% of the residents are of Middle Eastern descent, Trump won with 42.48% of the vote over Vice President Kamala Harris, according to results provided by City Clerk George Darany with 100% of precincts counted.
—Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
The Holocaust put paid to the Paris pearl industry, as many merchants were of Jewish descent and were murdered along with their families.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Integrated sensors track wheel speed and incline, adjusting motor output automatically for uphill climbs and downhill descents.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for descent 
Matthew Crowley, Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
In Dearborn, where 55% of the residents are of Middle Eastern descent, Trump won with 42.48% of the vote over Vice President Kamala Harris, according to results provided by City Clerk George Darany with 100% of precincts counted.
—Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
The Holocaust put paid to the Paris pearl industry, as many merchants were of Jewish descent and were murdered along with their families.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Integrated sensors track wheel speed and incline, adjusting motor output automatically for uphill climbs and downhill descents.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for descent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descent
Noun
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It was later clarified that the traditional coin toss took place before the ball drop.Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
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The cart drop came just as Chesterfield — the area's largest county — dropped out of the regional recycling collective altogether.Karri Peifer, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net increased significantly to $937 million from $501 million in the previous year, due to deterioration in residual values and decreased holding periods.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
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On Saturday, jurors sat through hours of silent footage showing Allen's mental deterioration at Westville.Ron Wilkins, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Pumping to supply farms and cities has contributed to the ecological degradation of the Delta, where fish populations have suffered declines in recent years.Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024
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Even slightly warm bread will produce condensation within its packaging, which leads to instant quality degradation and faster spoilage.Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The ship’s demise has broken the hearts of a long line of men who could not save her.Alyssa Bereznak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
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England and Gage said this money changed the company’s outlook and led to its demise.Max Scheinblum, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The claim accuses authorities of violating the couple's rights by taking the animals, invasion of privacy and trespass, among other claims.Louis Casiano, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024
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Additionally, more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to the front lines in Kursk, after Pyongyang agreed to back the Russian invasion.Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Noun
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For the most part, Israel’s response to Hamas’s devastating October 7 attack was confined to the Gaza Strip.Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
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Episodes often feature logistically complex armed attacks, guided from afar by the top brass, played by the likes of Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Kelly, Jennifer Ehle, and Bruce McGill.Noel Murray, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Owner Dave Daley will also give a talk on the local Métis culture; people who share both European and Indigenous ancestry.Adam Morganstern, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
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This dual ancestry has spurred a unique pain for Bublikov and others of similar mixed origin as the conflict mounts overseas at an alarming pace, risking international expansion.Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 24 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The central northern Michigan city is a downhill skiing mecca for a reason.Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 7 Nov. 2024
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Thanks to a new liner and snugger fit, the 4-Quattro Pro was the best downhill performer in our test.Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near descent
Cite this Entry
“Descent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descent. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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