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
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
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Recent Examples of relapse
Karli Swenson,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
The jail has also implemented a Vivitrol program that helps inmates struggling with alcohol dependence and can help prevent relapse for those with opioid dependence after detoxing, Martinez said.
—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2026
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
In Sunday night’s finale, Zendaya‘s Rue Bennett dies of a fentanyl overdose after relapsing on laced Percocet given to her by Alamo Brown (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje).
—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for relapse
Noun
These moms told open, honest and raw stories of abuse, trauma, substance use, recovery, relapse and motherhood.
—
Karli Swenson,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
The jail has also implemented a Vivitrol program that helps inmates struggling with alcohol dependence and can help prevent relapse for those with opioid dependence after detoxing, Martinez said.
—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2026
Verb
After finding out about the affair, her mother, a recovering alcoholic, relapsed and had to be hospitalized.
—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
In Sunday night’s finale, Zendaya‘s Rue Bennett dies of a fentanyl overdose after relapsing on laced Percocet given to her by Alamo Brown (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje).
—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for relapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relapse
Noun
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The tradwife trend is controversial in that it is seen by some as a rejection of feminism and a reversion to a seemingly simpler time.
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No photos have been revealed yet for next year’s release, but the reversion to the name Super Freak suggests the original details should return as well.
Verb
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This can sometimes take months and requires keeping up with soil amendments so the plant doesn't revert back to its old hue.
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As light can selectively target the fluid, scientists were able to print microscopic conductive patterns that completely vanish once exposed to open air, which reverts the gel back into non-conductive liquid clusters.
Noun
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Here’s a breakdown of where things stand, who is on which side and what the path forward looks like, based on reporting from The Sacramento Bee.
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Scroll on for the ultimate breakdown and get inspired to put your spin on these looks for your next getaway.
Verb
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Insiders say if the studio didn’t have a film close to pre-production in the next six months, there was a strong chance the Lego rights could lapse and head back to market.
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The program's legal authorization lapsed over the weekend.
Noun
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The country at large ignored his warnings, and the recession following the dot-com bubble burst ended what was then the longest stretch of economic growth and expansion the United States had ever seen.
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In a trust recession, with customers looking for proof in many places, retailers can learn from Passenger’s playbook and focus on genuine human interactions on social media.
Noun
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The shaky outing continued Sasaki’s post-breakthrough slide, but the setback barely dents the Dodgers’ commanding division cushion, with San Diego still eight games back in the standings.
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From the moment the gates slide open, the unusually deep setback—a rarity in Beverly Hills—choreographs an arrival sequence more commonly associated with boutique resorts than private homes.
Noun
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Police said the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.
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Police say no pedestrians were hurt in the crash.
Noun
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Some even spent the night outdoors, fearing further collapses.
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That puts the whole system at risk for collapse, said Aaron Weiss, executive director of the Center for Western Priorities.
Cite this Entry
“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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