1
as in drop
the act or process of going to a lower level or altitude
the airplane began its gradual descent to the landing field
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2
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
the family patriarch's heartbreaking descent into infirmity and senility
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3
as in degradation
a change to a lower state or level
the nation's rapid descent into anarchy after the revolution
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4
as in demise
a loss of status
for throwing the game, the ballplayer underwent a huge descent in the eyes of the fans
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5
as in invasion
a sudden attack on and entrance into hostile territory
the lightning descent of the invading army on that unsuspecting border town
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6
as in assault
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
the descent of the voracious locusts on the wheat fields
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7
as in ancestry
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
a person of Finnish descent
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8
as in downhill
a downward slope
on bicycle tours the ascents always seem to outnumber the descents
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of descent
Aidan Lee, 23, who is of Mexican and South Korean descent, definitely stuck out in his red South Korea jersey.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Against this backdrop of denial and delays, the United Nations recently called for reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.
—
Marcus Anthony Hunter,
Time,
19 June 2026
The singer was raised in Florida; his father is of Irish and Scottish descent and his mother is from Puerto Rico.
—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Valerie Chu is of Chinese-Taiwanese descent, also first generation.
—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for descent
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Against this backdrop of denial and delays, the United Nations recently called for reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.
—
Marcus Anthony Hunter,
Time,
19 June 2026
The singer was raised in Florida; his father is of Irish and Scottish descent and his mother is from Puerto Rico.
—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Valerie Chu is of Chinese-Taiwanese descent, also first generation.
—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for descent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descent
Noun
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Economists polled by Dow Jones are looking at a drop of 4%.
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The barrier to creation drops, but so does differentiation.
Noun
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology said long-term corrosion and the failure of multiple slab-to-column connections likely contributed to a progressive collapse after weeks of structural deterioration.
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Heston is at his most gleefully cynical as Robert Thorn, a police detective who lives and works in a New York City decimated by environmental deterioration and dwindling resources.
Noun
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What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
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Over time, this can increase electrical resistance, generate excess heat, and accelerate battery degradation.
Noun
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In a sense, Western multinationals unwittingly created their chief global competitors, along with the conditions for their own demise.
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Iserson also touched on Ponies‘ modest viewership, which ultimately led to its demise despite strong critical acclaim.
Noun
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Ukrainska Pravda said he was targeted by Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 for ties to Russia, a year after Moscow launched its ongoing full-scale invasion.
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On a single night last week, Russia reported intercepting 660 drones across 12 regions — one of the largest Ukrainian attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Noun
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According to Holtz, Whittingham was charged with murder, first-degree assault, first-degree assault on an elderly person and home invasion.
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Atanas Hristev, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon late last month, according to court records.
Noun
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In a similar vein, Vice President Vance has claimed that Americans who can trace their ancestry to those who fought in the Civil War are more American than those who can’t.
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Thomas added that Cancer is connected to home life, family, ancestry and emotional foundations, while Capricorn governs career, public image and professional success.
Noun
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Atlanta could use a downhill, athletic guard next to CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker who can get half-court paint touches.
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Spanning 7,045 yards from the tips, this is a fun and fair thrill ride right from your opening downhill tee shot.
Cite this Entry
“Descent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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