DEGENERACY Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

degeneracy

noun

di-ˈjen-rə-sē

Definition of degeneracy

as in degradation

a change to a lower state or level the sad degeneracy of the old neighborhood into a slum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in corruption

a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior the degeneracy of the family into a gang of petty thieves

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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 degeneracy Some lambasted the degeneracy of the modern language. — Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026 This uncertainty, called mass–distance degeneracy, meant that earlier detections could not rule out heavier objects such as brown dwarfs. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Jan. 2026 Moral degeneracy, discipline issues and low literacy rates are products of removing the Bible from classrooms, Hall said. — Rachel Royster july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 Eric Swalwell, a prominent Democratic House member and a front-runner in the race for California governor, had his political career blown up by allegations of degeneracy and abject stupidity. — Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for degeneracy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneracy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noun

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

Definition of decadence

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degeneracies

degeneracy

degenerate

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“Degeneracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degeneracy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of degeneracy

noun

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