as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
in the years following the closing of the last textile mill, the town atrophied
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in degeneration
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of atrophy
Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
The idea that our human connections have atrophied over the past few years is by no means entirely wrong.
—Lily Scherlis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
The following story in this series will highlight the first successful use of gene therapy to treat spinal muscular atrophy before birth.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Verb
Cassidy would appear to be a man yearning for an experience that gives meaning to his life, which seems to have atrophied, lost its significance.
—Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
The idea that our human connections have atrophied over the past few years is by no means entirely wrong.
—Lily Scherlis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
When illness reduces physical activity, prolonged bed rest can lead to muscle atrophy (muscle loss), decreasing daily calorie expenditure.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
The following story in this series will highlight the first successful use of gene therapy to treat spinal muscular atrophy before birth.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atrophy
Verb
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Eventually, Paley’s eyesight deteriorated due to diabetes.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 June 2025
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However, the situation is expected to deteriorate further as Netanyahu gave a public speech saying Israel’s military action may last several days.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Scientists have uncovered critical pathways to combat osteoporosis and related conditions more effectively and efficiently by studying rapid skeletal degeneration in microgravity.—
Shelli Brunswick,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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The results showed that participants who spent more time sitting were more likely to have cognitive decline and brain degeneration, affecting memory and cognitive processing speed.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The April 11 ruling came during a hearing in Maryland, where a Justice Department attorney declined to provide basic details about Abrego Garcia’s whereabouts.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
7 June 2025
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Blain declined to comment on the lawsuit after it was filed.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Noun
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They are then transported to the Berkhamsted conservation center, where their condition is examined for deterioration.—
Benny Har-Even,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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Nationwide, the ramifications of deportation for these key citizens will affect all of us, which can lead to deterioration of our healthcare system, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health aides, etc.—
Rachel Blumberg,
Sun Sentinel,
3 June 2025
Verb
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As the disease worsens, these sores often develop umbilication, a small dent in the skin that resembles a belly button.—
Francisco J. Rivera Rosario,
Health,
7 June 2025
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Empty office spaces, slumping rents, sky-high office vacancies, and a meltdown in real estate values have coalesced into a worsening commercial property market in the Bay Area.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Fluoride is under increasingly intense fire despite its dramatic ability to prevent tooth decay.—
Erika Edwards,
NBC news,
30 May 2025
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Meanwhile, about 40% of US children had access to optimal fluoride levels that effectively prevent tooth decay – between 0.6 and 1.5 milligrams per liter – while about 46% had access to even lower levels.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The strikes overwhelmed air defense systems, and the city was rife with fires burning, buildings crumbling, and other debris from the attacks.—
Christopher Tremoglie,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
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The myth that Medicaid is for 'someone else' is crumbling fast.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
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In November 1990, more than 3,000 women descended on the sleepy beach town of San Bernardo del Tuyú, Argentina, for what was becoming a legendary event.—
Marta Martínez,
NPR,
8 June 2025
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But on one March evening, these hulking installations were just a backdrop: Goose, and 1,000 of its most ardent fans, descended on the space for a special event promoting the ascendant Connecticut jam band’s new album, Everything Must Go (released April 25).—
Lyndsey Havens,
Billboard,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Atrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atrophy. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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