decadence
noun
dec·a·dence
ˈde-kə-dən(t)s 
also di-ˈkā-
1
: the process of becoming decadent : the quality or state of being decadent
the decadence of modern society
escape the decadence that attends upon old age—
G. L. Dickinson
G. L. Dickinson2
: a period of decline
Examples of decadence in a Sentence
The book condemns the decadence of modern society.
a symbol of the decadence of their once-mighty civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
The insistence on common sense in America, with its echo in Donald Trump’s rhetoric, had a peculiar moral dimension, almost as if the cultural health and vigor of this society depended on its not succumbing to the decadence of the Old World.
—Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Director Kip Williams, the former director of the Sydney Theatre Company who brought the play from Australia to the West End and finally to New York, retrofits Oscar Wilde’s 1890 classic of vanity and decadence to a 2025 mindset and visual style.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
Each and every one also referred back to vintage as a kind of tuning fork of ideas: John was enthralled with the couture techniques of Vionnet and Charles James, with Savile Row tailoring, with 18th-century decadence spliced with London street culture.
—Amanda Harlech, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
Wan approaches ice cream with rigor—not like a pastry chef chasing decadence, but more like someone tuning an instrument.
—Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadence
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Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Director Kip Williams, the former director of the Sydney Theatre Company who brought the play from Australia to the West End and finally to New York, retrofits Oscar Wilde’s 1890 classic of vanity and decadence to a 2025 mindset and visual style.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
Each and every one also referred back to vintage as a kind of tuning fork of ideas: John was enthralled with the couture techniques of Vionnet and Charles James, with Savile Row tailoring, with 18th-century decadence spliced with London street culture.
—Amanda Harlech, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
Wan approaches ice cream with rigor—not like a pastry chef chasing decadence, but more like someone tuning an instrument.
—Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decadence
Cite this Entry
“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decadence. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decadence
noun
dec·a·dence
ˈdek-əd-ən(t)s
also di-ˈkād-ᵊn(t)s
1
: a falling off in quality or strength : a sinking to a lower state or level
2
: the tendency to give in to one's desires for comfort and pleasure
decadent
adjective
ˈdek-əd-ənt
also di-ˈkād-ᵊnt
decadent
noun
decadently
adverb
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