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Definitions

go to the dogs

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.

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 ran his eyes over it and muttered audibly: "Let him go to the dogs, then, if he wishes to do so."

From The Silver Lining A Guernsey Story by Roussel, John

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.