1
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
middle-aged people who fervently hope that daily exercise will arrest the physical decay that usually accompanies advancing age
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
the cycle by which the decay of dead plants on the forest floor provides soil and nutrients for the next generation of plants
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to rot
to go through decomposition
the logs decayed on the rain forest floor the atom of plutonium decayed in the test chamber
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the restaurant's standards for food and service had decayed over the years
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3
as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor
having reached her 80s, the woman could sense that her body was decaying
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of decay
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the protective outer layer of enamel that’s worn away by acids formed by bacteria, plaque and sugars in the mouth.
—CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Each probe is powered by three radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) fueled by decaying plutonium-238.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decay
Noun
These ingested fluoride products are dispensed at safe doses by doctors and dentists to prevent tooth decay in children who are unable to get adequate fluoride doses from community water systems—something that may become more common as more states and cities remove or ban fluoride from their water.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the protective outer layer of enamel that’s worn away by acids formed by bacteria, plaque and sugars in the mouth.
—CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Verb
All of this allows Lithgow and Rush to take this decaying senior rivalry to the heights, even veering into campiness as Lithgow stages a musical performance of a children’s song with Jenny as his partner.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Each probe is powered by three radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) fueled by decaying plutonium-238.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decay
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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Don’t constantly flood the new grass as this can lead to rot problems especially in shady spots.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 June 2025
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Since then, the infestation has worsened, the complaint says, with students at times finding decomposing and rotting mice under the sinks.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
5 June 2025
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
Verb
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Despite the metaverse hype having faded, Infinite Reality shows that investor belief in immersive environments remains, especially when linked to creator infrastructure or enterprise applications. 4.—
Elena Volotovskaya,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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When McBride isn’t answering the director’s questions and when Joynt is able to fade into the background, the documentary, which asserts little visual style other than fly-on-the-wall presence, is able to witness moments that showcase the unguarded McBride.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Molasses is food for soil microbes—tiny living organisms like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa—that decompose organic matter, improve soil structure, and make nutrients available to plants, Fox says.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 June 2025
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The microbes perform vital functions like decomposing organic matter, improving water-holding capacity, cycling nutrients, and suppressing pathogens to improve plant resilience and overall soil health.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
24 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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Since then, a series of shifts has reshaped the Middle East and weakened Iran and its proxies, the war in Gaza, Israel's decimation of the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the collapse of the Syrian regime, and now Israel's surprise attack.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
15 June 2025
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Should the economy unexpectedly weaken, larger and sooner cuts are possible.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Verb
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Guinness noted that the actor had to jump out of a helicopter from a minimum height of 7,500 feet — sometimes while wearing a 50-pound camera rig — and that the parachute could only burn for about three seconds before completely disintegrating, forcing Cruise to deploy a backup chute.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
5 June 2025
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Instead the vehicle spun out of control and disintegrated during atmospheric reentry.—
Gayoung Lee,
Scientific American,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decay. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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