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
  • 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
  • Some hope settled after Missouri drop-kicked Florida’s momentum 45-17 last Saturday, even while regression, especially for a team that had already matched its win total from last fall, felt due.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Some regression was expected with the arrival of offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis from UConn and Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of regression
Verb
  • Airlines can revert some Maxes to the older software version.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Just after Sky announced its greenlight earlier this year, Banijay and Sony entered a rights dispute revolving around Banijay believing the TV and film rights had reverted back to them since The Girl in the Spider’s Web movie aired.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 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
  • Denver has regressed in almost every major statistical category through four weeks, including points scored, passing yards, rushing yards, total yards, first downs, and time of possession.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • On the other side, the Los Angeles Chargers (0-4) look like they’re headed to a lost season and quarterback Justin Herbert is regressing.
    — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 4 Oct. 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
  • Bass began to thump from the other side of the wall, and, as if in a dream, the girls left one by one and returned sweating in the old familiar alchemy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The online retailer estimates about 50 percent of items ordered across its markets are returned.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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