DECADENCE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

decadence

noun

ˈde-kə-dən(t)s

Definition of decadence next

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level a symbol of the decadence of their once-mighty civilization

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 In contrast to the abstruse beauty of the séance room, the primary bedroom and bath, which the homeowner calls the goddess suite, are all lightness and elegance, a pale-hued sanctuary that casts a spell of serenity tinged with decadence. —

Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024 Trump used to brag about his closeness with Combs, but that hasn’t stopped him and his surrogates from continuing to tag Democrats as the party of celebrity decadence. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2024 Get the Recipe 26 of 40 Lump Crab Mornay This dip is decadence in a dish. —

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024 The annual office Christmas party is normally a time of decadence, where colleagues get better acquainted with one another with the help of music, food, and, crucially, a lot of alcohol. —

Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decadence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence

Noun

Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net increased significantly to $937 million from $501 million in the previous year, due to deterioration in residual values and decreased holding periods.

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
On Saturday, jurors sat through hours of silent footage showing Allen's mental deterioration at Westville.

Ron Wilkins, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024