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
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
  • With Belton’s regression and weaknesses in pass protection relegating him to the backup right tackle, the starting right guard spot seems to be a competition between Jacob Monk (currently leading) and Burton.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Injuries have played a role in his regression; his first full season with the Bengals ended last November because of a hamstring injury.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of regression
Verb
  • That project was scrapped in February 2025 due to creative differences and the rights have since reverted back to Maas.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Marathon Petroleum, YTD Cyclical (or mean reverting) businesses look cheapest at the top as P/Es fall on record earnings.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 17 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
  • The Seminoles find a way to generate some optimism after a solid win over a Cavaliers’ squad some expect to regress this season.
    — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The stats aren’t great to begin with, and there’s reason to believe that as Brissett is now older, his numbers could regress.
    — Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 18 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
  • And his status as a player returning from injury will act as a counterweight to the pressure of being defending champion.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In his second start since returning from the 15-day Injured List, Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan tossed five shutout innings and gave up four hits.
    — Harvey Valentine, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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