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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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

The cumulative effect of regressing academically every summer means kids are starting off every school year in a deficit, as previously mentioned. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 7 July 2026 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

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

Verb

However, the cells recently reverted from the supergiant state do not have the potential to form supergiants compared to cells produced by normal morphs.

— Jay Kakade July 23, Refractor, 23 July 2026
Unlike farmland converted to housing, solar installations could more easily revert back to farming at the end of a project’s 30-year lifespan.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of revert

Verb

The exact cause isn’t known, but Parkinson’s develops when cells that produce one of the brain’s chemical messengers — dopamine — begin to deteriorate and die.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
At the risk level, probability models can detect deteriorating household conditions, weakening purchase intentions or rising caution before these forces appear in traditional economic releases.

— Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of deteriorate

Noun

According to Law, his changeup is plus, but overuse of the pitch might have been behind his regression over his three seasons so far at Clemson.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Instead, the team has encountered numerous significant injuries and performance regressions throughout the roster.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of regression

Verb

One couple has returned year after year, exploring into areas that tourists rarely see.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
Ideally, Macario can return and provide a lift as Dudinha did late season, scoring seven goals in 10 games after general manager Camille Ashton signed her in the summer.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 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

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, who previously oversaw the prosecution against Hermes, declined to comment on the closed criminal case or Hermes’ campaign.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
However, declining vaccination rates fueled by vaccine hesitancy have created pockets of susceptible individuals where the virus can spread quickly.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

Yet, as the WNBA descends upon Chicago for All-Star weekend, Engelbert is reaching an inflection point in her tenure.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The complaints about regulations are one of the many cases where SNGA descends into political and cultural grievance.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 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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“Regress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regress. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of regress

verb

noun

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