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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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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
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
  • After deciding to start a family, my husband and I sought prenatal counseling on the safety of my medication regimen in pregnancy and my potential for relapse at a university medical center.
    — Meg LeDuc, STAT, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Some improved dramatically in just a few days, while others required longer courses to cure their infection and avoid relapse.
    — Amy J. Mathers, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of relapse
Verb
  • Other American zoos sent pandas back to China before that as loan agreements lapsed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • And even if films do score distribution, rights can quickly lapse.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of lapse
Noun
  • There was always going to be some regression, but in this season of extremes, the whiplash is exhausting.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Every successful attack path should become a permanent regression test owned by the control team and run after material changes.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of regression
Verb
  • Fazio predicted that over time, the public benefits charge will revert back to being a cost for customers, amounting to around 15% to 20% of most residential electricity bills.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Their research also finds that concentration has historically tended to mean-revert across most sectors, supporting the case for reducing exposure to the market’s largest holdings.
    — Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 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
  • That efficiency, however, regressed against the Giants (64-91).
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • As Ohtani started building up, though, his hitting regressed.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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 returning group, which also includes Jacob Ross, is still feeling the sting of losing to Michigan in the national championship game more than five months ago.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Removing the voltage allows the material to return toward its original state.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of return

Browse Nearby Words

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 29 Sep. 2026.

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