Definitions

decadence

[dek-uh-duhns, dih-keyd-ns] / ˈdɛk ə dəns, dɪˈkeɪd ns /

NOUN

perversion; deterioration of morality

Synonyms

STRONG

corruption debasement decay declension decline degeneracy degeneration degradation devolution dissipation dissolution downfall downgrade evil excess fall gluttony incontinence intemperance lasciviousness lechery lewdness licentiousness regression sensuality

WEAK

sybaritism

Antonyms

STRONG

ascent decency development goodness honor improvement morality rise upgrade virtue

WEAK

humility

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This time, he’s rewriting the entire script, to be staged on a set decked out in the definitive material of autocratic decadence: gold.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

The Pollen-Isherwood story provides a lesson about the danger of decadence for the reigning hegemon in the face of a rising challenger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

I loved how Gail phrased it as "leading up to the high castle of oyster decadence."

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2024

Critics praised the record's "sky-high ambition" and ""decadence and theatricality"", calling it "one of the strongest debuts in recent memory".

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2024

It suggested a whole life of marvelous, elaborate decadence that attracted me like a magnet.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

Vocabulary lists containing decadence

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