as in senility
technical + formal
the state of being old or the process of becoming old
premature senescence
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Recent Examples of senescence
An early step in leaf senescence is formation of what’s called the abscission layer — a corky layer of cells that forms where the leaf petiole eventually detaches from the branch.
—
Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Nov. 2025
Nanoparticle delivery of innate immune agonists combined with senescence-inducing agents promotes T cell control of pancreatic cancer.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Though a longer period of senescence might sound exciting for autumn enthusiasts, the downside is that leaves have less time to photosynthesize.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
Ghost, a giant Pacific octopus, has entered the final stage of her life – senescence, the Long Beach aquarium said.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for senescence
Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Nov. 2025
Nanoparticle delivery of innate immune agonists combined with senescence-inducing agents promotes T cell control of pancreatic cancer.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Though a longer period of senescence might sound exciting for autumn enthusiasts, the downside is that leaves have less time to photosynthesize.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
Ghost, a giant Pacific octopus, has entered the final stage of her life – senescence, the Long Beach aquarium said.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for senescence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for senescence
Noun
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Is Chuck Schumer headed down the same dark treadmill to senility pioneered by Dementia Joe Biden before him?—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
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There are, however, some relevant differences between the situations of our two oldest presidents, likely reflective of the differences between senility and madness.—
Bradley Gitz,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Horseback riding is a focus for all ages here, but other activities include hiking, bicycling, golf, fishing, and an on-site spa.—
Julie Bielenberg,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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What’s more, the people targeted for new work rules are working-age adults, ages 19 to 64.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In his basketball dotage, Kyle Lowry is getting soft.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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In our dotage, many of us look askance at our motor vehicle and opt to head for Staters in the ubiquitous golf cart.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
22 June 2025
Noun
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When a species takes a century just to reach maturity, every individual matters.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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Resiliency has become a moral injunction — a signal of maturity and strength.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Senescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/senescence. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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