Definitions

go to the dogs

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decay v.
decline v.
degenerate v.
deteriorate v.

VERB

decay

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 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

VERB

decline

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decrease depreciate deteriorate diminish drop dwindle fail fall lower recede return sag shrink sink slide wane weaken worsen

STRONG

abate backslide cheapen decay degenerate disintegrate droop ebb fade flag languish lapse pine relapse retrograde revert rot settle subside

WEAK

disimprove fall off go downhill go to pot hit the skids lose value

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance ascend develop enlarge expand extend grow improve increase raise reach rise strengthen win

STRONG

build enhance flourish progress

WEAK

go up

VERB

degenerate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

descend disintegrate lapse lessen regress revert worsen

STRONG

backslide corrode corrupt decline decrease deprave retrogress return rot sink slip vitiate

WEAK

come apart at seams die on vine disimprove fall off go downhill go to pieces

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop grow increase progress

STRONG

aid build help improve rise

VERB

deteriorate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crumble decline degrade depreciate disintegrate ebb fade fail fall apart languish lessen lower regress sink slide undermine weaken worsen

STRONG

adulterate alloy break corrode corrupt debase debilitate decompose deprave descend flag impair injure lapse mar pervert retrograde retrogress rot skid spoil vitiate

WEAK

be worse for wear become worse disimprove go downhill go to pieces go to pot hit the skids lose it lose quality wear away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve compliment elevate grow improve increase laud praise raise rise strengthen

STRONG

aid assist build clean cleanse clear cure fix heal help join mend purify put together

WEAK

construct develop get better

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.

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go to the dogs

If you ignore what you see, your life will quite literally go to the dogs.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 9, 2022

With no ice time available during the NHL’s four-month pandemic-forced break, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry had little choice but to let his game go to the dogs.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 20, 2020

If Florida’s law catches on, it may be only a matter of time before courthouses across the country go to the dogs.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 12, 2017

Then if the dogs come anyway, do not fret that this means your wedding will go to the dogs.

From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2014

He has some fresh folly in his head, and Ettersberg may go to the dogs for anything he cares.

From Fickle Fortune by Elisabeth Burstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)

go to the dogs

Example Sentences

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