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
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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
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of regress
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2026
At linebacker, a lead communicator and productivity is needed at a second level that regressed in 2025.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 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
Diawara’s numbers, as expected, have regressed since the minutes cut.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2026
At linebacker, a lead communicator and productivity is needed at a second level that regressed in 2025.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 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The clue has been replaced by the data-trace; the villain by the algorithmic network; the crime by the infinite regress of surveillance itself.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
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That decision was reversed last year, when Zaslav and Bloys decided to revert back to the HBO Max name to highlight the strength of HBO’s programming.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2026
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Besides, the new speed cameras produce most of their violations outside the pick-up and drop-off windows, when the speed limit reverts back to normal and any yellow lights should go dark.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The development changed hands a couple of times during the 1920s, and during the late 1920s and the 1930s, the building deteriorated to the point of being unlivable as white flight and disinvestment hit the area, Preservation Chicago said.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
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Infection occurs when the tree's bark is damaged by insects, animals, or mechanical wounds, causing the soft wood to deteriorate quickly and make the trunk and branches susceptible to breakage.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The team’s kicking situation was a disaster last season, including a regression from Gillan.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
9 Mar. 2026
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Easy profit at cost, even with some natural regression.—
Jake Ciely,
New York Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Many remain fearful in the aftermath, left wondering whether a sense of normalcy ever will return and venting frustration with local authorities, who seemingly did nothing to intervene amid the chaos.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Pomeranz found that success once his fastball returned between 92 and 93 mph last season.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tim Pennington called again that evening, Bell said, to ask for prayers as his son's condition was worsening, and then later told him the soldier had succumbed to his injuries.—
ALLEN G. BREED,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
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Behind the scenes, DHS officials worry that the longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the risk that more TSA employees will leave, worsening staffing shortages beyond the immediate crisis.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Iranian retaliatory attacks appear to be declining — ballistic missile strikes have fallen by 90% and drone attacks by 83%, according to US Central Command — potentially easing pressure on Gulf states that have faced Iranian strikes in recent days.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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Bonta’s office declined to comment.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Over the past few days, the biggest tennis stars in the world have descended on the tony desert enclave of Indian Wells, California for the BNP Paribas Open, also known as Tennis Paradise.—
Lucas Shaw,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Even as busloads of Bruins fans descended on Galen Center, turning USC’s arena into hostile territory, the Trojans showed signs of life early on.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Gang violence, death threats and a crumbling judicial system have stalled an ongoing investigation.—
David Fischer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Last summer, the fastball effectiveness crumbled.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Regress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regress. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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