backslide 1 of 2

noun

Definition of backslidenext
as in relapse

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Dissimilar Words

backslide

2 of 2

verb

as in to relapse

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Dissimilar Words

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
The United States is experiencing a dangerous backslide in the fight against measles. — Jerome Adams, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026 Pankiw’s efforts come as Hollywood has seen a further backslide in women’s employment. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 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
  • These results suggest there are potential bodily challenges associated with abstinence that contribute to relapses in alcohol use disorder.
    — Marie Doyle, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Abstinence, too, was a primary goal, though the toolkit made clear that relapse should be treated as a setback but not necessarily a failure, and that recovery is not necessarily linear.
    — Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of relapse
Verb
  • In fact, recent research suggests that 71% of in-store buying represents new, lapsed, or occasional purchases.
    — Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • That's being litigated as well right now, even though those tariffs have lapsed.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of lapse
Noun
  • Over the following five weeks, four more episodes follow him through regression hypnosis, a naked woodland cult and a flotation tank, trailed by a life coach played by comedian Will Hislop, whose credentials came from Instagram.
    — Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Today, thanks in part to central air conditioning, there’s a growing argument to keep students in school longer to combat academic regression, as research has shown time off negatively impacts student performance.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of regression
Verb
  • The new mandate would likely cost billions of dollars and revert the Navy’s most advanced ships to a system that takes more sailors to operate and is more difficult to maintain.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, this bill does not immediately require the Angels to revert their name to the Anaheim Angels, but only if the parties reach a sale or lease of the stadium.
    — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of revert
Noun
  • The next decades will be defined by explosive changes and waves of crises, not a reversion to the old order or the creation of a new one.
    — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The study hypothesizes that the supergiant reversion may trigger a cool-down period.
    — Jay Kakade July 23, Refractor, 23 July 2026
Definition of reversion
Verb
  • Watford dropped from 13th to 17th under Walter Mazzarri, and Southampton regressed two places after replacing Ronald Koeman with Claude Puel.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But his recovery regressed, and he was shut down from throwing.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 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
  • The mysteries begin to mount practically from minute one, when John’s father returns home in his army uniform and tests John’s mettle by shooting an apple off his head with a handgun.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sesame oil and return the skillet to medium heat.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of return

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backslid
backslide
backslider
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Cite this Entry

“Backslide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backslide. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of backslide for Spanish Speakers

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