RELAPSE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

relapse 1 of 2

noun

Definition of relapse

as in reversion

the act or an instance of returning to a usually worse state or condition She discussed some ways to help avoid a relapse after quitting smoking. After a long period of cancer remission, he suffered a relapse.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

relapse

2 of 2

verb

as in to revert

to return to a usually worse state or condition After a few good months of keeping their rooms clean, the kids relapsed into their old untidy habits.

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 relapse

Noun

Now, in a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers have found that a single dose of psilocybin combined with about 10 psychotherapy sessions can reduce cocaine use and lower relapse risk. — Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026 Allison Janney won an Emmy for the Mom episode where her character has a drug relapse. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026

Verb

Around 2016, Moore and her children became estranged for three years when the actress relapsed with substance abuse. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 The illness can last anywhere from days to over a month if untreated, and symptoms could relapse one or more times after a person feels better. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relapse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relapse

Noun

Referred to as reversions, these should also be removed promptly.

— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 12 Sep. 2026
That sense is epitomised by the reversion to goalkeepers who can, unlike some of the strugglers from 2022-23, actually make saves on a consistent basis.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of reversion

Verb

Airlines can revert some Maxes to the older software version.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Just after Sky announced its greenlight earlier this year, Banijay and Sony entered a rights dispute revolving around Banijay believing the TV and film rights had reverted back to them since The Girl in the Spider’s Web movie aired.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of revert

Noun

Samsung is expected to release its full third-quarter earnings, including a breakdown by business division, later this month.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Israeli strikes have killed at least 1,467 Palestinians in Gaza since a ceasefire was reached with Hamas nearly a year ago, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which doesn't give a breakdown of civilians and militants.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of breakdown

Noun

He was hired by Italy’s Agnelli family to run Fiat in 2004 when, due to previous mismanagement and the recession, few in the auto industry believed it could be saved.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
The market is becoming more challenging, but that does not necessarily mean there is a recession.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

Enjoy, and see you soon… Argenx disclosed that its blockbuster drug Vyvgart failed to outperform placebo in a Phase 3 trial of patients with Sjögren’s disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder, marking an unusual setback for the company, STAT says.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026
As the cystic fibrosis community gathers this week in Atlanta for its largest annual gathering, Kramer-Golinkoff is hoping those patients will be a big part of the conversation, particularly after recent scientific setbacks.

— Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of setback

Noun

Kaur’s brother, Jathinder Singh, said his sister was unable to react after the crash.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
The death of legendary Argentine singer Carlos Gardel in a plane crash in Medellín in 1935 deepened the city’s already strong connection to the dance form and turned Medellín into one of tango’s most passionate homes outside Argentina.

— Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of crash

Noun

But for meantime, Aldabra Atoll offers a rare story of hope, showing a landscape where nature rebounded from near collapse and giant tortoises reclaimed their habitat.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Another major collapse occurred at the provincial government headquarters in Coclé, where an entire side of the building gave way, exposing the offices inside.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of collapse

Browse Nearby Words

relaid

relapse

relapsed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of relapse

noun

verb

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