DEGRADATION Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

degradation

noun

ˌde-grə-ˈdā-shən

Definition of degradation

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level English teachers bemoaning the degradation of the language that e-mail and instant messaging have allegedly brought about

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in corruption

a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior the belief that moral degradation is an unmistakable sign of a nation in decline

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 degradation Since optical switches aren’t subject to the same amount of degradation as traditional mechanical switches, the representative argued, users won’t need to swap them over time. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026 There are also practical questions around battery degradation, consumer compensation, privacy, and who gets to control an asset in someone’s home. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 For example, the company traced the helium leaks to valve problems — specifically, degradation that occurred after exposure to nitrogen tetroxide, the oxidizer in Starliner's propulsion system. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are major threats to wild red pandas. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for degradation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for degradation

Noun

Unlike Netflix, Disney is wrestling with the ongoing deterioration of linear TV.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
That creates a different situation when a condition begins with something a resident or guest did rather than deterioration of the building or a maintenance issue.

— Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of deterioration

Noun

Talarico’s success so far can partly be chalked up to voters’ apprehensions toward Paxton, who faced questions in his past over corruption, including being impeached by his own party in the Texas legislature.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Blagojevich was impeached, removed from office by a unanimous 59-0 Illinois Senate vote and convicted of federal corruption offenses.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of corruption

Noun

To me, the two nude figures in languid declination seemed, saliently, to be melting in the heat of a summer day, but their triton-wielding and breast-cupping poses must certainly have also invited debate centuries before.

— Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026
The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.

— Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of declination

Browse Nearby Words

deglamorizing

degradation

degradations

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Style

“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degradation. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of degradation

noun

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