1
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
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of degeneracy
This is how pop stars validate the unconscionable — from selfishness to degeneracy and crime.
—
Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023
But the shadow of degeneracy still looms large.
—WIRED, 21 Feb. 2023
In effect, compounding interest (historically low for the past decade but lately headed upwards) must outrun the costs of taxation (declining globally), procreation (declining in wealthier countries), and the loafing and degeneracy that attend the inheritance of great fortunes.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 14 Sep. 2022
The stories she’s heard — of cruelty and degeneracy, bravery and ingenuity — stagger the imagination.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for degeneracy 
Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023
But the shadow of degeneracy still looms large.
—WIRED, 21 Feb. 2023
In effect, compounding interest (historically low for the past decade but lately headed upwards) must outrun the costs of taxation (declining globally), procreation (declining in wealthier countries), and the loafing and degeneracy that attend the inheritance of great fortunes.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 14 Sep. 2022
The stories she’s heard — of cruelty and degeneracy, bravery and ingenuity — stagger the imagination.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for degeneracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneracy
Noun
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The degradation of batteries is a challenge that bedevils all sorts of electronics.—
Asher Price,
Axios,
7 Feb. 2025
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However, over time and age, exposure to the sun and other environmental factors, heat styling, and chemical treatment can deplete the volume in the hair through degradation and damage.—
Molly Peck,
USA TODAY,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The mayor has been under sharp scrutiny since President Trump’s Department Justice Department last week ordered prosecutors in his federal corruption case to drop the criminal charges against him.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
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Four senior deputies to New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced their resignations Monday after the Justice Department moved to dismiss his corruption case.—
Zach Halaschak,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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His environmental project launched the Institute’s research via an extensive study of the relationship between business practices and environmental deterioration.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
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Shot over five tumultuous years, the film traces Noam’s journey in tandem with the region’s steady deterioration.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.—
WWD,
WWD,
3 Sep. 2019
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Thomas said the sheriff's office presented the case to the district attorney's office for declination purposes only because of Suff's prior convictions and death sentence.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC News,
15 Aug. 2024
Noun
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Mike Scott, interim fire chief, had expressed concern over the decline in volunteerism back in February at the Shakopee City Council meeting that revealed the report’s findings.—
Julia Fomby,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Despite the decline and tepid guidance, Wall Street’s biggest research shops remain optimistic that Disney can boost its earnings growth and are watching if the company can show accelerating parks revenue and subscriber trends.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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He’s started the descent and there is no going back.—
Matt Slater,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
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The man, who is believed to be of Asian descent, is now considered a person of interest in the case.—
Laura Barcella,
People.com,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Baggy bombers were spotted on the runway at Saint Laurent’s spring 2025 fashion show, which clearly nodded to the decade of decadence, while boho styles — including Penny Lane coats — have seen a major resurgence in the past year.—
Hannah Malach,
WWD,
26 Jan. 2025
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Family and other guests sat at tables in golden chairs and took it all in, as the chandelier ceiling dripped with decadence.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
1 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near degeneracy
Cite this Entry
“Degeneracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degeneracy. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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