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

Synonym Chooser

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 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 The voluptuousness of the atmosphere evokes a mood of nineteenth-century literary decadence. — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2026 The cake is crowned with a layer of thick, buttery, strawberry frosting, adding decadence to this strawberry dessert that transcends seasons. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 24 June 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
  • These tests helped rule out more ordinary explanations such as mechanical strain, material deterioration, uneven samples, and electromagnetic screening by the metal.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Generally, the deterioration in government fiscal health is a global issue.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Many lines of research align with the theory that aging is a direct result of decay — the inevitable degradation of molecules (including proteins or DNA), organelles, cells, or whole organs — from external assault or inexorable breakdown.
    — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
  • By spreading stress via polymer chain rearrangement instead of allowing polymer bonds to break, the DNGEs continually reduce the risk of sudden snapping or fatigue-degradation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • Bullish activity fell sharply, down about 50%, Meng pointed out, compared with a roughly 35% decline for bearish ETFs.
    — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Progressive cognitive decline that interferes with everyday functioning warrants further evaluation.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • Times when this line has fundamentally blurred, such as with Nixon and Watergate, have been some of the most notorious instances of overreach and corruption in our history.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Collins has been behind in numerous polls, and has been fighting a House ethics investigation and accusations of corruption and associations with white supremacists throughout his campaign.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 Aug. 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
  • In conversations with the American Jewish Committee, Ossoff shared that his father is of Russian and Lithuanian Jewish descent, and his relatives fled pogroms and antisemitism in Eastern Europe.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As Petal begins a slow descent in the United Kingdom, Grande scores another bestselling album – one inextricably tied to her latest full-length.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of descent

Browse Nearby Words

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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on decadence

Nglish: Translation of decadence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decadence

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