DERELICTION Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

dereliction

noun

ˌder-ə-ˈlik-shən

Definition of dereliction

as in abandonment

the act of abandoning the dereliction by the owners of a once flourishing orchard

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in negligence

failure to take the care that a cautious person usually takes the ski area was not held responsible for the injury on account of the skier's own manifest dereliction

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in neglect

the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action both sentries were to be court-martialed for dereliction of duty

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weakness

a defect in character believes that society is guilty of a moral dereliction if it does not care for those unable to care for themselves

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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 dereliction On Friday, the regular session ended with no action on a state budget, a dereliction of duty that’s becoming increasingly common. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026 On Friday, the regular session ended with no action on a state budget, a dereliction of duty that’s becoming increasingly common. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026 From an ideological standpoint, the new flag was introduced at the exact time the citizens of this state were just getting a grip on the outrageously incompetent management of the state’s money, dereliction that allowed billions of their tax dollars to be lost to fraud. — Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026 Internal affairs probe found multiple policy violations An internal investigation found Mercer violated four department policies, including dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming of an officer. — Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dereliction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dereliction

Noun

For fast fashion retailers, the first discount typically lands within four to twelve hours of abandonment.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 July 2026
In 2017, still a puppy, he was rescued from abandonment and mistreatment by the Asociación Pro Defensa de los Animales, which restored his health and, with it, his chances.

— Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of abandonment

Noun

In other words, if that water heater explodes, then the investor will be personally sued for negligence in not replacing it, and the liability shield of the real property company is thus circumvented.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
The passengers are accusing Delta of negligence, negligence per se and a violation of the Montreal Convention.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Definition of negligence

Noun

Some business owners say crime and neglect are driving away customers.

— Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Disabled people are disproportionately represented in detention, where inaccessible conditions, inadequate medical care, and systemic neglect put lives at risk.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of neglect

Noun

Furthermore, companies tend to have an easier time outperforming consensus sales growth estimates during periods of US dollar weakness.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
This helps nourish and protect hair from external aggressors like UV damage and pollution, which can cause weakness and buildup.

— Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

The core of the story is the desertion and betrayal of Roseanna McCoy by all concerned.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Furthermore, the Ukrainian army is short-handed, facing around 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around 2 million people, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in January.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026

Definition of desertion

Noun

Yet, for those failings, the Selecao found a way to come through on both occasions – mainly due to the in-game changes Ancelotti made.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of failing

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

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Synonyms of dereliction

noun

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