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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 The insistence on common sense in America, with its echo in Donald Trump’s rhetoric, had a peculiar moral dimension, almost as if the cultural health and vigor of this society depended on its not succumbing to the decadence of the Old World. Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Director Kip Williams, the former director of the Sydney Theatre Company who brought the play from Australia to the West End and finally to New York, retrofits Oscar Wilde’s 1890 classic of vanity and decadence to a 2025 mindset and visual style. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2025 Each and every one also referred back to vintage as a kind of tuning fork of ideas: John was enthralled with the couture techniques of Vionnet and Charles James, with Savile Row tailoring, with 18th-century decadence spliced with London street culture. Amanda Harlech, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025 Wan approaches ice cream with rigor—not like a pastry chef chasing decadence, but more like someone tuning an instrument. Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
Noun
  • They are then transported to the Berkhamsted conservation center, where their condition is examined for deterioration.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • In regions affected by conflict, natural disasters or climate degradation, these irreplaceable sites and items are in jeopardy.
    Sattie Persaud, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Both research teams documented severe performance degradation on problems requiring extended systematic reasoning.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • The decline in shipping has broader ripple effects on L.A.’s logistics economy.
    Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • Russell Reynolds' Global CEO Turnover Index reports that the average CEO tenure dropped from 8.1 years in Q1 2024 to 6.8 years in Q1 2025, marking the sharpest decline in recent years.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The film's themes of corruption and the brave whistleblowers who expose it feel particularly apt in this current moment.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 June 2025
  • Hochul chose him after his predecessor, Benjamin Brian, resigned amid charges of corruption, which were eventually dropped.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.
    Lisa Zornberg, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The changing declination also defines the daily arc that the sun takes across the sky, thereby accounting for the length of daylight.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Minister for Justice can waive some of the conditions of becoming an Irish citizen where the applicant is of Irish descent or association.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • The ride, named Top Gun, is designed to ascend vertically before plunging into its high-speed descent.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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