Synonyms of regress

regress 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈgres 

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

• revert
• return
• decline
• retrogress
• relapse
• lapse
• backslide
• worsen
• degenerate
• fall
• ebb
• throw back
• retrograde
• drop

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• develop
• evolve
• advance
• grow
• progress
• mature
• ripen

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

• deteriorate
• worsen
• decline
• descend
• crumble
• diminish
• devolve
• degenerate
• decay
• rot
• atrophy
• ebb
• retrograde
• sink
• weaken
• disintegrate
• recede
• sag
• dwindle
• decompose
• fall
• wane
• degrade
• go to seed
• reduce
• go to pot
• slip
• downsize
• putrefy
• undermine
• abate
• dilapidate
• corrupt
• lessen
• languish
• fail
• sour
• debilitate
• spoil
• de-escalate
• lag
• break down
• waste (away)
• lower
• wilt
• droop
• molder
• run down
• flag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improve
• ameliorate
• better
• upgrade
• enhance
• proceed
• develop
• intensify
• strengthen
• meliorate
• progress
• enrich
• heighten
• fortify
• march
• advance

regress

2 of 2

noun

as in regression

Related Words

• regression
• retrogression
• retreat
• recession
• ebb
• reflux
• return
• recess
• reversal
• retraction
• backwash
• reverse
• turnaround
• turnabout
• about-face

Dissimilar Words

• progress
• process
• advance
• progression
• advancement
• march
• passage
• flow
• way
• furtherance
• procession
• stream
• drift
• current
• headway
• going
• flux
• approach
• coming
• onrush
• arrival
• nearing
• advent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of regress

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

Noun

As with Minten, the B’s continuing to move forward and not regress is incumbent on young players like Hagens and Khusnutidinov to have impacts. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026

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