Definition of decadencenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun decadence differ from other similar words?

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

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

When could degeneration be used to replace decadence?

The words degeneration and decadence can be used in similar contexts, but degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When might deterioration be a better fit than decadence?

The words deterioration and decadence 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 decadence But to fully embody that sense of decadence all the time requires a feat of interior design. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Jan. 2026 The Olive oil cake is decadence personified. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026 Nuriev, 41, was born in Russia amid the faded decadence of the czarist era and the rational architecture of communism. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Jan. 2026 The vocals are mechanical and the lyrics repetitive and tedious, the narrator choking on decadence. Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
  • The report identifies three massive, offsetting policy developments as the primary drivers of this fiscal deterioration.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The complaint includes several photographs of deterioration and hazards.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But Puerto Rico’s rapid growth has also raised concerns about sustainability, environmental degradation and cultural erosion.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Water-soluble chlorophyll, which gives broccoli its signature color, is vulnerable to degradation during prolonged cooking or boiling.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Axios ran these numbers, and calculated the decline in wages as a share of gross domestic income adding up to $12,000; as in, that’s how much less per year the average American is bringing home as a result of this dynamic.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Pacific Islander students and American Indian students were the only two student groups out of 11 total who saw a decline in this metric in the same period.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Advertisement Both Paxton’s baggage and his history of using his office to troll Democrats is a central feature in the Republican primary, which has devolved into a barrage of personal attacks of betrayal, adultery, and corruption.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Nearly four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine was up one point at 36 after an energy sector corruption scandal forced high-level resignations.
    Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Nachmanoff pressed the Justice Department over whether a formal declination memo deciding against charges for Comey exists.
    Ella Lee, The Hill, 19 Nov. 2025
  • McLaughlin characterized the Fullerton officer’s response as a declination to help.
    Sierra van der Brug, Oc Register, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Beyond the dazzling jumps, daring descents and photo finishes lie lives shaped by sacrifice and sheer determination.
    Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Noha, who works at luxury brand LVMH, was born in Geneva of Swiss and Egyptian descent and grew up across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, while Saif is from Pakistan and works at TikTok.
    Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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