backslide 1 of 2

noun

Definition of backslidenext
as in relapse

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backslide

2 of 2

verb

as in to relapse

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backslide
Noun
During the covid-19 pandemic, the city temporarily suspended street sweeping programs, causing another backslide in cleanliness. — Tim Craig The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2026 The United States is experiencing a dangerous backslide in the fight against measles. — Jerome Adams, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
Against the backdrop of constant progress, ordinariness feels like backsliding. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 May 2026 This looks like backsliding for a region that was already struggling to meet its emissions targets. — Julius Cesar Trajano, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backslide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backslide
  1. relapse
  2. lapse
  3. regression
  4. revert
  5. reversion
  6. regress
  7. retrogression
  8. return
Noun
  • Clinical results for remibrutinib in relapsing MS appear to be similar to Roche's rival BTK inhibitor fenebrutinib, but less effective at preventing relapses than anti-CD20 treatments such as Kesimpta, according to Bar-Or.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Early discontinuation is one of the strongest predictors of relapse and overdose.
    — Yashaswini Singh, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of relapse
Verb
  • But in 2023, as the league's jersey deal with Adidas lapsed, Fanatics expanded its partnership to include on-ice uniforms and authentic jerseys.
    — Ian Thomas, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In 2014, he was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, though that status has since lapsed, the department said.
    — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of lapse
Noun
  • Teams should decide in advance which regressions are serious enough to block a change.
    — Hiren Dhaduk, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But a combination of injuries and regression by the bullpen and several of the team’s top offensive stars led to a 2026 season filled with disappointment.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of regression
Verb
  • In Tampa Bay’s 43-13 demolition of the Carolina Panthers, Young reverted to the form of his first two years with an offensive line that reverted, too.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Rollback plans should account for data changes and financial transactions; reverting application code alone may not reverse a financial consequence.
    — Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of revert
Noun
  • Referred to as reversions, these should also be removed promptly.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 12 Sep. 2026
  • That sense is epitomised by the reversion to goalkeepers who can, unlike some of the strugglers from 2022-23, actually make saves on a consistent basis.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of reversion
Verb
  • The Mariners reached the ALCS in 2025 but regressed mightily last season, going 76-86.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The center fielder was coming off a career year at the time, but Grisham regressed on both sides of the ball in 2026.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of regress
Noun
  • This book is all about the fight to stem the tide of retrogression.
    — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Nov. 2025
  • Visa retrogression might become more of an issue for Indian and Chinese applicants who invest under the high-unemployment category due to its more limited availability.
    — Sam Silverman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of retrogression
Verb
  • Cavaliers freshman quarterback Hassir Houston had to be carried off the field with an apparent leg injury late in the first half but returned in the fourth quarter.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The treatment also returned the aging immune system to a more youthful state, including changes to the marrow’s blood-producing tissues.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of return

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Cite this Entry

“Backslide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backslide. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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