regress 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈgres How to pronounce regress (audio)
Definition of regressnext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

regress

2 of 2

noun

as in regression

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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 regress
Verb
Brett Baty, Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez, the trio of once-top prospects, seem to have regressed. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026 Anagen is followed by a brief transitional phase called catagen, during which the follicle regresses and severs its connection to its blood supply. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
In both cases, this happens because the embryonic tail fails to regress completely. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Even if his counting stats regress slightly, his chance creation and versatility should keep him in All-Star/MVP fringe conversations. — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regress
  1. revert
  2. deteriorate
  3. regression
  4. return
  5. worsen
  6. decline
  7. descend
  8. crumble
Verb
  • Amid the energy crisis in the early 1970s, daylight saving time was shifted earlier, to January and February, before later reverting back to the last Sunday in April, per the Council of State Governments.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • Aside from those outlier seasons, escrow money mostly reverted back to owner, and the COVID-19 pandemic forced the league to send the withholding percentages skyward.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of revert
Verb
  • Zelenskyy said their relationship had deteriorated so badly that the two could no longer work together, but provided little additional explanation for removing Fedorov.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • In the ensuing decades after District 33 absorbed McAuley, the McAuley building deteriorated, with no significant maintenance done to it and no use other than for records and equipment storage.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of deteriorate
Noun
  • But in the years since, turnover at defensive coordinator, age, injuries and free-agent departures have led to the regression of the unit.
    — Mike Jones, New York Times, 16 July 2026
  • The researchers performed regression analysis to isolate these variables.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of regression
Verb
  • Two of the starters have since gotten hurt (Ranger Suarez with a groin injury and Connelly Early with elbow inflammation), but Suarez could return Tuesday, and the team has kept rolling.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Then the rains returned, and the home was destroyed again, worse than before.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of return
Verb
  • According to court documents, Wilson’s relationship with the producers had started deteriorating before filming began in 2023 – and worsened during post-production.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Weakening commodity prices and a worsening industrial relations climate in Australia is draining investor enthusiasm for the world’s biggest mining company, BHP.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • During the initial June 11 to June 20 period, revenue per room rates fell in the Miami area on eight of ten nights compared to 2025 while occupancy declined on every one of the 10 nights, according to CoStar.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • MedStar Washington Hospital Center cites financial pressure and declining birth rates.
    — Kendall Staton, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of decline
Verb
  • Some Boston watering holes reportedly ran out of beer when Scottish fans descended on the city.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Thousands of visitors, both international and from around the country, descended upon Atlanta for eight in-person matches and watch parties.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of descend
Verb
  • Inspired by the bright, herb-forward flavors of traditional Middle Eastern tabbouleh, this hearty variation replaces bulgur with fluffy couscous and adds roasted eggplant and crumbled feta for extra substance and depth.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • Tribal leaders warn that unstable oversight and crumbling facilities endanger Native students’ futures.
    — Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of crumble

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Cite this Entry

“Regress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regress. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of regress for Spanish Speakers

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