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Definitions

decay

[dih-key] / dɪˈkeɪ /
NOUN
breaking down, collapse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blight corrosion decomposition degeneration deterioration disintegration disrepair extinction impairment rot
STRONG
adulteration atrophy caries consumption crumbling decadence decline decrease decrepitude degeneracy depreciation dilapidation dissolution downfall dying fading failing gangrene mortification perishing putrefaction putrescence putridity putridness rotting ruin ruination rust senescence spoilage spoilation wasting withering
WEAK
wasting away
Antonyms
STRONGEST
building development growth improvement
STRONG
ascent construction increase morality rise
WEAK
flourish germination ripening strength strengthening
VERB
deteriorate, crumble
Synonyms
STRONGEST
atrophy corrode decompose degenerate discolor disintegrate dissolve dwindle fade get worse lessen mortify pollute rot shrivel wane wither
STRONG
blight collapse curdle decline defile depreciate dry-rot fail mildew mold molder perish putrefy sap sicken sink slump spoil suppurate turn weaken
WEAK
be impaired become contaminated break up go bad go to seed go to the dogs hit rock bottom hit the skids pejorate putresce reach depths waste away wear away
Antonyms
STRONGEST
brighten build color combine develop enlarge expand extend grow improve increase put together raise strengthen unite
STRONG
ascend help make well prosper rise
WEAK
flourish germinate ripen

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.

We began to roll past dead and dying trees in various stages of decay.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Cigarette butts litter the floor, moldy food is left to decay on greasy dishes and the ceiling is stained with candle soot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

This limits event risk and harnesses time decay, the term for how options lose value each day closer to expiration.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The chapel, whose unusual design includes three spires, two steeples, a belfry and separate sanctuaries for Catholics and Protestants, has been locked and left to decay since being damaged in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Now the watch-towers, which had fallen into decay, were repaired, and filled with arms, and garrisoned with ceaseless vigilance.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing decay

Earth Science - Middle School

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Rocks and Minerals - Introductory

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Earth Science: Natural Resources and the Environment

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!