decadent

adjective

dec·a·dent | \ ˈde-kə-dənt

also di-ˈkā-\

Definition of decadent

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : characterized by or appealing to self-indulgence a rich and decadent dessert the hotel's decadent luxury

2 : marked by decay or decline an increasingly decadent society

3 literature : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a group of late 19th century French and English writers tending toward artificial and unconventional subjects and subtilized style : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the decadents (see decadent entry 2 sense 1)

decadent

noun

Definition of decadent (Entry 2 of 2)

1 literature : one of a group of late 19th century French and English writers tending toward artificial and unconventional subjects and subtilized style

2 : one that is marked by decay or decline : one that is decadent (see decadent entry 1 sense 2)

Other Words from decadent Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about decadent

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Did You Know?

To be decadent is to be in the process of decay, so a powerful nation may be said to be in a decadent stage if its power is fading. But the word is more often used to speak of moral decay. Ever since the Roman empire, we've tended to link Rome's fall to the moral decay of its ruling class, who indulged in extreme luxuries and unwholesome pleasures while providing the public with cruel spectacles such as the slaughter of the gladiators. But not everyone agrees on what moral decadence looks like (or even how it might have hastened the fall of Rome), though most people think it involves too many sensual pleasures—as, for instance, among the French and English poets and artists of the 1880s and ʼ90s called the Decadents. These days, for some reason, people have decided decadent is the way to describe rich chocolate cakes.

Examples of decadent in a Sentence

Adjective

The book condemns some of society's wealthiest members as decadent fools. a wealthy and decadent lifestyle a decadent hotel room, complete with a hot tub We relaxed in decadent luxury.

Noun

avant-garde artists who were scorned by the bourgeoisie as talentless decadents a decadent who squandered her once considerable family fortune

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Like the shrimp and grits, the fetter papa burger ($15) is appropriately decadent. — Lindsey Mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "40 craft beers and a vegetarian-friendly menu make Crescent Hill Craft House stand out," 28 Aug. 2019 But when fried in a hot, oily pan at your favorite Italian restaurant, eggplant’s spongy texture absorbs all the oil in the pan, making for a decadent and heavy dish. — Stephanie Thurrott, NBC News, "Healthier Italian: Food pros share 4 restaurant dishes you can make at home," 20 Aug. 2019 The burnt ends, more meaty than fatty, were insufficiently decadent. — Rand Richards Cooper, courant.com, "Review: Down-home BBQ gets upscale at Que Whiskey Kitchen in Southington," 1 Aug. 2019 The pastries are decadent, and the conference badges are cleanly designed and colorful. — Nick Statt, The Verge, "Inside Apple’s walled garden, developers take cover from Silicon Valley’s storms," 21 June 2019 Save Salvo Patria for dinner; expect decadent dishes like smoked trout yucca croquettes and pork ribs marinated in coffee cherry cascara vinegar. — Michaela Trimble, Vogue, "An Insider’s Guide to Chapinero Alto, the Williamsburg of Bogotá," 12 Apr. 2019 Not to mention, there are so many simple ways to cook with asparagus, from raw and sliced for a quick salad, to boiled for a decadent, creamy side dish. — Audrey Bruno, SELF, "3 Simple Ways to Cook With Asparagus," 5 Apr. 2019 The French cassoulet consisted of white beans, Toulouse sausage, confit duck leg, and bacon lardon, and was a rich, decadent dish and abundant enough for leftovers. — BostonGlobe.com, "Where to eat in Greater Boston," 15 June 2018 But after a night in the hospital, Diana is back at her desk the next day, with one noticeable difference: The armor/decadent costume jewelry is missing. — Ruth Kinane, EW.com, "Sutton Foster and Miriam Shor take us inside that explosive Younger episode," 8 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Make your morning extra decadent by topping your biscuits and gravy with sunny-side-up eggs. — Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, "Here’s an easy way to make a classic breakfast pairing: biscuits and sausage gravy," 22 July 2019 Also occupying a massive corner of the South Hall was a decadent, comically large Fortnite booth. — NBC News, "Dancing tomatoes and llama pinatas? This must be a gaming convention.," 26 June 2019 New York has some significance for Saint Laurent — Yves threw a grand party here in the ’70s for Opium — and the city’s decadents of that era, from Lou Reed to the Studio 54 crowd, inspired Mr. Vaccarello’s new collection. — Matthew Schneier, New York Times, "If He Can Make It Here, He’ll Make It Anywhere," 7 June 2018 Wear a shiny solid one under your louchest suit (with or without a silk tie) or slip into a decadent, loose-fitting patterned one with, well, anything. — The Editors Of Gq Style, GQ, "Why the Silk Shirt Should Be Your Go-To Summer Style Move," 5 June 2018 Special for this year is a new array of decadent dipped berries with chocolate chips and pink shimmer sugar. — Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, "Give moms what they want more of this Mother's Day with these life hacks," 7 May 2018 Insider tip: The mac-nut cinnamon roll, dripping with icing ($5.25) is a decadent must for sweetaholics. — Rosemary Mcclure, latimes.com, "In Kauai, where to eat for cheap: 20 places to chow down for $20," 15 Apr. 2018 So eat your feelings with La Tur, a decadent, almost molten cheese that takes care of you and makes any bad day go away. — Alyse Whitney, Bon Appetit, "10 Valentine’s Day Pairings for Cheeses and Cheesy Rom-Coms," 12 Feb. 2018 Go for a Swim Jumping in a pool or a swimming hole during the rain simply feels decadent, like being in an outdoor spa. — Sami Emory, Outside Online, "Embrace the Rain," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decadent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for decadent

decadent

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of decadent

: having low morals and a great love of pleasure, money, fame, etc.

: attractive to people of low morals who are only interested in pleasure

: extremely pleasing

See the full definition for decadent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

decadent

Definition of decadent

Other Words from decadent

Synonyms & Antonyms for decadent

Did You Know?

Examples of decadent in a Sentence

First Known Use of decadent

History and Etymology for decadent

English Language Learners Definition of decadent

decadent

Definition of decadent

Other Words from decadent

Synonyms & Antonyms for decadent

Did You Know?

Examples of decadent in a Sentence

First Known Use of decadent

History and Etymology for decadent

English Language Learners Definition of decadent

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