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 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 Arguably the defining crime film of a decade brimming with decadence, Scarface is excessive in every way, which only enhances its appeal. — Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 This time, any remaining impulses of late 1990s and 2000s decadence have been erased with features like a social lobby and a sprawling rooftop park with verdant landscaping with Adirondack chairs and a campfire. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 In contrast to contemporaries like Mette Ingvartsen, Anne Imhof, or Miet Warlop, Holzinger consistently references artistic subjects and themes connected to fin de siècle decadence. — Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 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
  • But nothing competes with the painful deterioration of her sight after contracting scarlet fever.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
  • In addition, city officials can now require owners to install security measures to help protect vacant buildings from further deterioration or trespassing.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Electric-vehicle owners and operators face concerns that repeated charging and discharging of a battery could accelerate battery degradation, and that use of V2G could void a battery warranty.
    — Lisa Baertlein, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • This unwanted movement, known as the polysulfide shuttle effect, causes active material loss, side reactions, self-discharge, and rapid capacity degradation.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • Surveys showing a decline in Americans who see democracy as important.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • This decision stems from chronic staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, budget constraints, and a substantial decline in the federal inmate population, which peaked in 2013 and has since fallen by nearly 30%.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • The electoral authority based the candidate bans on a law against corrupt practices that in previous years saw some parliamentary seats bought with money linked to drug trafficking, corruption and tax evasion.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Seems like far too many appreciate this type of corruption, and making money on SM for lies, is precisely that.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 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
  • His mother was of European descent and his father was a Cantonese opera star who was on tour in the city, affording his son birthright citizenship.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Stokesbury said the climber's descent was a long slide down the steep snow slope rather than a straight free fall, with the terrain gradually becoming less steep farther down the mountain.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 July 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 7 Jul. 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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