Break down
Break down verb - To go through decomposition.
Usage example: the enamel of a human tooth will begin to break down when exposed to sugar for too long
Deteriorate is a synonym for break down in decay topic. In some cases you can use "Deteriorate" instead a verb "Break down", when it comes to topics like wither, rot, be unsuccessful, fail to attain goal. popular alternative
Deteriorate
Deteriorate verb - To become worse or of less value.
Usage example: the garden slowly deteriorated after months of neglect
Break down is a synonym for deteriorate in disintegrate topic. You can use "Break down" instead a verb "Deteriorate", if it concerns topics such as better, decay. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- spoil and break down
- spoil and deteriorate
- break and break down
- break and deteriorate
- crumble and break down
- crumble and deteriorate
- disintegrate and break down
- disintegrate and deteriorate
- decline and break down
- decline and deteriorate
- sink and break down
- sink and deteriorate
- fail and break down
- fail and deteriorate
Both terms in one sentence
- Though, wait a second, wouldn't the key break down over time and deteriorate until it eventually snaps in the lock as Cortez uses it?
Source: You Already Changed the Past
Cite this Source
Deteriorate and Break down. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/break_down/deteriorate
Break down & Deteriorate. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/break_down/deteriorate>.
Deteriorate or Break down. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/break_down/deteriorate.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "break down" and "deteriorate" have occurred on timeline