DETERIORATE Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

deteriorate

verb

di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt

Definition of deteriorate

as in to worsen

to become worse or of less value the garden slowly deteriorated after months of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to degrade

to lower in character, dignity, or quality childish name-calling that merely deteriorates what should be a serious discussion on an important issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 deteriorate Though the transplant was successful, Haggerty’s health continued to deteriorate. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 Fresh sanctions by the US have also further deteriorated the Cuban economy and prevented many tourists from visiting the island. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Klement suggested that recent weakness reflects investors rotating into AI trades rather than deteriorating defense fundamentals. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026 They can also be used for de-aging characters, creating performances in different languages, or preserving the voice or likeness of an actor whose health is deteriorating, as was the case with CAA client Eric Dane. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deteriorate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deteriorate

Verb

The uninterrupted sun dries out soil increasing drought risk, and light winds allow pollutants to build up, worsening air quality, particularly in urban areas.

— Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 July 2026
People in the area are advised to remain ready to leave again if conditions worsen.

— Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of worsen

Verb

When temperatures rise, heat can quietly degrade pantry staples, making refrigeration essential to preserve quality and flavor.

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026
If leaders are not present and actively developing people, the system degrades—quietly at first, then all at once.

— Brian Coyne, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of degrade

Verb

Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Survivors say that doors to the facility were locked and that migrants were left to die inside crumbling walls.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of crumble

Verb

The flow of dark traffic is one of the factors that helped explain why oil markets had weakened significantly by early June, together with a surge in exports from the US and pullback in buying by China.

— Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026
But as several surveys have consistently indicated, optimism about our country's outlook has undeniably weakened.

— Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

Forgetting his bond with the land, Mariano awakens the Ch’iqmi, a dark force that corrupts his people.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 25 June 2026
Lander has argued Goldman, the multimillionaire heir to the Levi jeans fortune, embodies establishment, corporate interests that corrupt the Democratic Party.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Definition of corrupt

Verb

Another witness said Lopez stood up twice as the aircraft began descending into Las Vegas, went to the restroom, then returned to his seat before suddenly launching the attack.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Around 1,000 attendees are expected to descend on Madison Square Garden over the next two days to celebrate the union of the music superstar and Super Bowl champion.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of descend

Verb

Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
The union said that unresolved complaints made against Hawk and existing climate issues have significantly diminished confidence among many educators.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026

Definition of diminish

Browse Nearby Words

deterging

deteriorate

deteriorated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deteriorate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deteriorate

verb

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