DEGENERATION Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'degeneration' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of degeneration are decadence , decline , and deterioration . While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression. // the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

Q: When can 'decadence' be used instead of 'degeneration'?

Although the words decadence and degeneration have much in common, 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 as synonyms of 'degeneration'?

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: In what contexts can 'deterioration' take the place of 'degeneration'?

The words deterioration and degeneration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness. // the deterioration of the house through neglect

degeneration

noun

di-ˌje-nə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of degeneration next

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level the organization's degeneration from a movement for political reform to just another political party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weakening

a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body the troubling degeneration of his memory since he reached middle age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in degradation

a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior the general degeneration that characterized so many old mining towns, which had only drinking and gambling for entertainment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun degeneration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of degeneration are decadence, decline, and deterioration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When can decadence be used instead of degeneration?

Although the words decadence and degeneration have much in common, 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 as synonyms of degeneration?

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

In what contexts can deterioration take the place of degeneration?

The words deterioration and degeneration 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 degeneration This degeneration is a common cause of knee pain in older adults. —

Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024 Degenerative brain diseases: Conditions that cause brain degeneration can also cause AIWS; this is the case for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which causes rapid deterioration of the brain and dementia. —

Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024 New hope for patients with spinal cord injuries or degeneration Breakthrough treatments using patients’ own stem cells have resulted in improved sensation, strength and movement. —

Nbc Universal, NBC News, 7 July 2023 Atrophy refers to the wasting away of a tissue or organ, especially as a result of cell degeneration. —

Kristen Rogers, CNN, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for degeneration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for degeneration

Noun

The Chinese ruling party's past anxieties over regime security played a significant role in the rapid deterioration of the bilateral relationship.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The deterioration in Volkswagen’s prospects point to worsening conditions in the private sector in Germany.

Hanna Ziady, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024