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 There’s an element of decadence to the menu, which serves contemporary—even avant-garde—Italian cuisine. —

Elise Taylor, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024 Opened in 1889 as the first truly high-end hotel in Britain, The Savoy has been at the forefront of decadence ever since. —

Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 Just like buttermilk in biscuits, cottage cheese can lend some extra tang and decadence to many comfort foods like lasagnas and casseroles. —

Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2024 But his breakaway is also a critique of the modern France where decadence is normalized. —

Armond White, National Review, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decadence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decadence

Noun

Coined as far back as 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the idea of mental deterioration from trivial distractions has never been more relevant.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Tedeschi credits Park Road with heroic work on the Maysles footage, which was delivered to them in various stages of deterioration.

Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024