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
  • Left untreated, a Cyclospora infection can persist for weeks or even months, cycling through periods of apparent improvement followed by relapses.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
  • This innovative medicine precisely delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, significantly reducing the risk of relapse.
    — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of relapse
Verb
  • Several other broadcasters' contracts have lapsed, with deep pay cuts being expected in some places.
    — Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • But with La Liga’s champions now signing fellow England wide man Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, and Rashford’s £40million release clause for other teams lapsing last week, a new set of negotiations will be required for his exit.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of lapse
Noun
  • Recently, the Phillies acknowledged just how costly Turner’s defensive regression has been for the team as a whole.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Our teenage sons, in a moment of joyous regression, insisted on roasting marshmallows.
    — Dinaw Mengestu, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026
Definition of regression
Verb
  • Unfortunately the general lack of trust of healthcare and traditional treatments is taking a toll on newborns and infants, and will likely not revert until clear messaging and respect for science is returned.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Stars such as Julia Fox and Bechtel have reverted back to their natural color after spending time with the platinum look, but keeping the shape ultra-thin.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
Definition of revert
Noun
  • The tradwife trend is controversial in that it is seen by some as a rejection of feminism and a reversion to a seemingly simpler time.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 June 2026
  • No photos have been revealed yet for next year’s release, but the reversion to the name Super Freak suggests the original details should return as well.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
Definition of reversion
Verb
  • Since then, the duo has regressed and Romo often sounded unprepared, saying odd things.
    — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • When the season ended, many suggested Love had regressed in his second season as a starter.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 28 July 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
  • Hot spots still burned within a 420-square-kilometer (162-square-mile) scar, thousands remained unable to return home, and nearly 3,000 firefighters were deployed against the Gironde megafire and a second blaze in Provence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • However, price spikes returned in July after Washington responded to Iranian attacks on shipping in the key maritime artery of the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of return

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backslid
backslide
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Cite this Entry

“Backslide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backslide. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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