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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun degeneration differ from other similar words?

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

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When can decadence be used instead of degeneration?

Although the words decadence and degeneration have much in common, 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 as synonyms of degeneration?

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

In what contexts can deterioration take the place of degeneration?

The words deterioration and degeneration 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 degeneration How to know if your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis Stiffness and difficulty getting up are some of the common signs a dog suffers from osteoarthritis, which the ASPCA defines as inflammation and degeneration in the joint. Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024 The native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, was diagnosed with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a disease that causes vision loss due to a degeneration of the optic nerve. Candace Oehler, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 Without enough magnesium, your body cannot regulate its calcium levels, potentially resulting in peripheral nerve degeneration. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024 The programs utilizing these elements are divided into four types: detox and ideal weight achievement; optimal mental and physical performance; restoration of maximum vitality and balance and slow down of cellular degeneration to promote well-aging. Laurie Werner, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for degeneration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneration
Noun
  • This industry is the major culprit in the bay’s deterioration.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
  • In the fourth quarter, revenues were up 2 percent at constant exchange rates, returning to growth after several quarters of deterioration, mainly thanks to the improvement recorded by the wholesale channel.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Service degradation caused in some attacks has lasted multiple days, with some remaining ongoing as of the time this post went live.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Bristol Myers Squibb is leveraging AI and machine learning to advance protein degradation science.
    Tina Chakrabarty, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Associated Press pointed to the possibility of tariffs and a decline in consumer spending as the reasons for the earlier drop.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Chegg’s traffic plummeted 49% in January year-over-year, a sharp decline from the 8% drop in the second quarter last year, when Google released AI summaries.
    Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Such insects accelerate microbial decay by grinding wood down to smaller bits, while also digesting some themselves.
    Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Cats and dogs can detect odor and decay from long distances.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The unaccountable bureaucracy and bloated government that find a home there, and the public and private corruption that go along with them, face serious scrutiny and genuine antagonism for the first time in a while.
    Jack Butler, National Review, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Supporters hope the ex-governor can find success as a moderate with a tough-guy reputation, big name recognition and an ability to bring stability to city government amid Adams’ federal corruption indictment and Trump’s threats to the city.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In contrast, during 2016-16 the lunar declination varied from only 18.5 degrees north to 18.5 degrees south.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.
    WWD, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

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Cite this Entry

“Degeneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degeneration. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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