1
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
2
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
as in regression
Related Words
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
Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Since then, the club has regressed in the postseason.
—CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Losing that type of talent would cause most defenses to regress, but the Cougars have maintained a similar level of production.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for regress
Verb
Since then, the team has regressed in the postseason.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Since then, the club has regressed in the postseason.
—CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
The clue has been replaced by the data-trace; the villain by the algorithmic network; the crime by the infinite regress of surveillance itself.
—Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Losing that type of talent would cause most defenses to regress, but the Cougars have maintained a similar level of production.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for regress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regress
Verb
-
Any money remaining in the fund will revert back to the federal government, the department said.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
Specifically, axolotl cells have an unusual ability to revert into a more flexible, developmental state after injury.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Over the course of the next hour, the weather deteriorated rapidly.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2026
-
The warning underscores the deteriorating situation in Gaza.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
His defense remains outstanding, but his regression as a 3-point shooter cost the Magic in their matchup against the Pistons.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
Corner Colton Hood’s selection in the second round, for example, attacked a gaping hole in the roster that Banks’ regression created.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Atkinson, who was Providence’s only returning starter from last season, has been thrilled about Webb stepping up and being another senior leader on a young team.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
-
And yet, there were several strategic surprises in how the networks, in particular, plan to roll out their new and returning series.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Overreliance on one industry makes economies betting on high-tech development vulnerable to market corrections, if AI development falters, or if worsening commodities shortages eventually hinder production of electronic components.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
According to the National Institutes of Health's Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is a condition where the muscles permanently stiffen and a person has bone abnormalities called chondrodysplasia, both of which can worsen over time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
McGrail says Janet declined and put an end to the evening.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
Schoenbrun’s third feature, Teenage Sex & Death at Camp Miasma stars Einbinder as an enthusiastic young director who is tasked with resurrecting the Camp Miasma slasher franchise after years of subpar sequels and declining fandom.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The world of The White Lotus Season 4 also descended on Tetou, making the two-hour pilgrimage from their set in Saint-Tropez to Cannes on their only day off just in time for dinner.—
Clara Molot,
Vanity Fair,
17 May 2026
-
Eventually, several crew members descended downward from the helicopter on ropes, retrieved the hiker and hoisted him back up.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
A lot of the old ways and structures the industry was built around have shifted or crumbled.—
Josh Weiss,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
The mounting costs of Putin’s war on Ukraine have contributed to the nation’s shift, as Russians grapple with higher inflation, more taxes, crumbling infrastructure, tighter censorship, and myriad new restrictions.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Regress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regress. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
