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What is another word for Decay? – 144 Decay Synonyms

    Need another word for Decay? Use these synonyms of Decay from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    deterioration decline rot corruption putrefaction spoilage degeneration disintegration crumbling fragmentation collapse downfall impairment damage spoil tarnish rust mold mildew fungus erosion wear fraying unraveling decomposition dissipation evaporation atrophy shrinkage reduction depletion exhaustion fatigue weakening enfeeblement disablement

    Meaning of Decay

    According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "decay" refers to the process of something becoming gradually damaged or destroyed, often due to natural processes such as rot, corrosion, or erosion.

    Definitions

    • Merriam-Webster defines "decay" as the state of rotting or decomposing, or the process of becoming weak or ineffective.
    • The Cambridge Dictionary defines "decay" as the state of something becoming worse or less effective, often due to a lack of care or maintenance.

    Example Uses

    • The old wooden bridge showed signs of decay and was no longer safe to cross.
    • The tooth decay was severe and required immediate attention from a dentist.
    • The city's infrastructure had fallen into decay due to years of neglect and underfunding.
    • The radioactive material underwent rapid decay, releasing harmful radiation into the environment.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    growth development improvement enhancement restoration renewal rejuvenation revitalization strengthening reinforcement preservation conservation protection maintenance repair rebuilding renovation transformation advancement progress flourishing thriving prospering expansion increase augmentation

    Related Nouns

    rot corrosion erosion deterioration decline downfall collapse impairment damage spoil mold mildew fungus decayed material waste rubbish debris remnants fragments shards splinters cracks fissures fractures

    Related Verbs

    deteriorate decline rot corrode erode decay crumble fragment collapse impair damage spoil tarnish rust mold mildew fungus disintegrate decompose dissipate evaporate atrophy shrink reduce deplete exhaust weaken enfeeble disable

    Related Adjectives

    decayed rotten corroded eroded deteriorated declining crumbling fragmented collapsed impaired damaged spoiled tarnished rusty moldy mildewed fungous disintegrated decomposed dissipated evaporated atrophied shrunk reduced depleted exhausted weak enfeebled disabled