decadence

noun

ˈde-kə-dən(t)s How to pronounce decadence (audio)
Definition of decadencenext
1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level a symbol of the decadence of their once-mighty civilization

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior clergymen striving to combat decadence and sin in their communities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 America’s relative openness to immigrants looked like decadence; cosmopolitanism and internationalism were objects of contempt. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Jerry is also a foodie, which relates to the Earth sign’s love of indulgence and decadence. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 Wrapped in a rich, swirling burl wood veneer with a high-gloss finish accented with bold, oversized circular brass pulls, its vibe is very disco-era decadence. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2026 The trailer suggests that she’s been swept up in Hollywood’s decadence, led astray following her breakthrough role. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for decadence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence
  1. deterioration
  2. degradation
  3. decline
  4. corruption
  5. declination
  6. descent
Noun
  • The City is aware of deterioration to the pavers surrounding the memorial related to the seawall conditions in this section of the Riverwalk.
    — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The deterioration in DeepMind’s talent flows coincided with the lab tightening its publication rules, Hurd said, something that Zeki researchers say may have weakened one of the lab’s most important draws for research-minded staff.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • The species’ coastal habitats, such as mangroves and reefs, have also suffered loss and degradation due to urban development and climate change.
    — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • There is no warping, no heat distortion and no structural degradation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • Larger coupon payments now provide a cushion against further price declines, unlike the low-yield environment earlier this decade.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Later, Hammer filmed her body’s visible decline from a long battle with cancer, concluding with her death in 2019 at age 79.
    — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • The two candidates have gone head-to-head in recent weeks over support of police and plans to fight corruption in what’s sure to be one of the top races to watch this fall.
    — Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The alleged corruption occurred between 2019-24 while Hédouville headed the Office of Citizen Protection, the government agency charged with safeguarding human rights.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of corruption
Noun
  • The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.
    — Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Federal regulations require special counsels to provide the attorney general with a report that explain prosecution or declination decisions once their work is concluded.
    — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of declination
Noun
  • The first prince of Norwegian descent born in 567 years, his birth held special significance for the young Norwegian monarchy.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Federal prosecutors have charged about 80 people in the broader case, the vast majority of whom are of Somali descent.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of descent

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debuts
decadence
decadences
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Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decadence. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on decadence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decadence

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