REGRESS Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

regress 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈgres

Definition of regress

as in to revert

to go back to a previous and usually lower state or level in extreme circumstances, people sometimes regress to the behavior they exhibited in childhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value the annual celebration has regressed to the point where it's nothing more than an excuse to get drunk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

regress

2 of 2

noun

as in regression

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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 regress

Verb

After leading Boston College to a 7-6 record and Pinstripe Bowl appearance his first season, the Eagles regressed in 2025, finishing with a 2-10 record and ahead of only Syracuse in the ACC. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 When the season ended, many suggested Love had regressed in his second season as a starter. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Noun

Young children often complain of physical symptoms such as stomachaches, develop separation anxiety, and regress to earlier behaviors like bed-wetting. — Claudia Boyd-Barrett, CBS News, 18 June 2026 The gains came after the latest whipsaw moves for oil prices, which surged toward their highest levels since the war with Iran began only to quickly regress. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for regress

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

Verb

But the journey can turn rough when wind and sea conditions deteriorate, Agnos said, particularly around the Cyclades, where seasonal Meltemi winds can churn up the Aegean.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
After approximately three weeks in the field, a supervisor allegedly sent her home after observing that her physical condition was deteriorating.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of deteriorate

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 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

Verb

Haze has worsened in Malaysia’s Sarawak state, which shares a border with Indonesia’s Kalimantan province on Borneo.

— Trisnadi, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
More than 50 hectares (124 acres) of peatland have burned in Jambi province on Sumatra island, causing choking haze in some areas and raising concerns about worsening air quality.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of worsen

Verb

Farage did not give a victory speech after declining to attend the declaration, claiming police had warned of a campaign to disrupt it.

— Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
And the university, which declined an interview request about the new program, is not the first to offer content creation courses.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

As thousands of car enthusiasts prepare to descend on Metro Detroit for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, a Michigan lawmaker is pushing legislation to crack down on excessively loud vehicles.

— Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Baseball descended on this site — just 20 miles from where the Hawkeye state intersects with Wisconsin and Illinois across the Mississippi River, where the iconic 1989 movie starring Kevin Costner was filmed.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of descend

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Style

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

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Synonyms of regress

verb

noun

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