as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
in the years following the closing of the last textile mill, the town atrophied
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in degeneration
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of atrophy
Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024
In a weightless environment, muscles aren't used as much, which can lead to them weakening and atrophying.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2024
Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
In 2023, the Willis family shared that Bruce had received a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive condition which causes the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain to atrophy.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrophy
Verb
But the foundations of that strength have atrophied, especially since the end of the Cold War.
—Noun
When our companion always agrees, our critical thinking muscles atrophy.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for atrophy
Verb
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Conditions are deteriorating in a network of Syrian prisons holding terrorists of the Islamic State.—
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Despite the exciting success of the film in festivals and among journalists and audiences around the world, however, the situation here on the ground is deteriorating rapidly and the future looks bleak.—
Noun
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While chubby cats may look cute, obesity can shorten their life and expose them to elevated risks of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease and hypertension, osteoarthritis and faster degeneration of affected joints, urinary bladder stones, and anesthetic complications.—
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These issues, now understood as symptoms of EDS, were caused by the disorder's impact on connective tissues, leading to joint instability and degeneration over time.—
Verb
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The average home price in the six-county region declined 0.4% from December to $862,115 in January, according to Zillow, marking the sixth consecutive month of declines.—
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In fact, on February 13th, the day Kennedy was confirmed, President Trump issued an executive order establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission to address rising rates of chronic diseases and declining life expectancies.—
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.—
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Shot over five tumultuous years, the film traces Noam’s journey in tandem with the region’s steady deterioration.—
Verb
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Many are barely able to pay their staff livable wages, causing rampant turnover and a scarcity of educators, further worsening educational outcomes.—
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According to the Financial Health Network’s Financial Health Pulse 2024 report, 70% of American households remain financially unhealthy with day-to-day financial realities worsening for many.—
Noun
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The trooper announced her presence and entered the home and noted there was a strong odor of decay coming from both doorways, according to the warrant affidavit.—
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Mutations in another group of genes cause weaker tooth enamel, raising the risk of decay.—
Verb
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The show from Sister and Universal International Studios is set in a near-future Margate, against a backdrop of soaring inequality, as Chance discovers life and love while being forced to fight for her family and friends’ survival in a world that’s crumbling around her.—
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Typically under him, Newcastle are not a team that crumbles after conceding.—
Verb
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Arctic air from Canada has descended on the Central and Eastern U.S., delivering record-breaking cold.—
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The festivities continued well past midnight, with the newlyweds and their guests descending the mountain in jeeps under the stars.—
Cite this Entry
“Atrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atrophy. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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