as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
the decaying of the bone mass that is so regrettably common in elderly women
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1
as in ramshackle
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2
as in dying
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1
as in rotting
to go through decomposition
the logs decayed on the rain forest floor the atom of plutonium decayed in the test chamber
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2
as in deteriorating
to become worse or of less value
the restaurant's standards for food and service had decayed over the years
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3
as in fading
to lose bodily strength or vigor
having reached her 80s, the woman could sense that her body was decaying
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decaying
Shania Russell, EW.com, 5 Jan. 2025
But in the city’s old neighborhoods, nothing seems to have changed apart from new street signs that have been posted incongruously on decaying buildings and market stalls.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025
Of course, many would argue that Old Trafford's decaying state and the lack of a league title since Sir Alex Ferguson over a decade ago indicate that accountability levels have dropped two levels.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Five decades later, the facility is decaying and seemingly on the brink of closure — but the holiday tradition has continued.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
One common pattern in decaying democracies are attacks on judicial figures.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
During a boat ride into Trinity Bay, just outside of Houston, the team carefully tested 10 decaying offshore wells and found seven to be leaking combustible gas at the time.
—Evan Simon, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2024
The waves clean off decaying organic matter that could cause pockets of low oxygen, which can be fatal to pupfish eggs.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Piles of clothes and bedrolls were lit by the smartphone flashlights of civilians combing the decaying maze for clues.
—Richard Engel, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
The It alum underwent yet another dramatic transformation for his latest role, including prosthetics to give him decaying skin, protruding cheekbones, and an altogether frightening look.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for decaying
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.—
Adjective
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About 10 years ago, the South Campus, in the vicinity of South 10th Street and Alma Avenue, was a somewhat ramshackle spot for the university.—
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Grand Tour is a little like these men and their machine: a deliberately ramshackle work made more captivating through its lack of conventional modes of propulsion and meaning.—
Verb
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Then came the yacht’s renaissance by her father, who saw beauty and sailing prowess inside a rotting hull.—
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Rotting Flesh and the Skeleton Underneath Eggers wanted the audience almost to smell the rotting flesh when the sarcophagus is flipped open.—
Verb
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Her body is deteriorating in front of us, and yet my daughter and her vet say, if (the dog) looks happy, leave her be.—
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With the relationship between the two companies deteriorating, Qualcomm may have to consider using another architecture before its ALA expires in 2033.—
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.—
Adjective
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Griff's was a cozy space inside with a small, rickety wooden patio in the front and a larger one in the back.—
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Instead of rickety outdoor patios with plastic partitions, diners mostly ate in dining rooms.—
Verb
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This stylish planter keeps plants well-watered and is virtually indestructible, designed to resist cracking and crumbling even in freezing temperatures.—
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Since gaining public recognition in 2013, a spate of crumbling buildings in Ireland has been known as the mica crisis or scandal.—
Verb
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Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
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With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Cite this Entry
“Decaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decaying. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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