relapse 1 of 2

Definition of relapsenext

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.

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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 relapse
Noun
These conditions threaten relapse, keeping alive the fantasy of a lucky roll in a high-stakes room. Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 After one character relapses, Clay is offered the empty room at a group home. Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
But against the Hawks, the Warriors relapsed into old habits. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026 Herrera admits she’s relapsed at times. Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relapse
Noun
  • Williams, Barmore and the rest of New England’s pass rushers will look to force a reversion to Darnold’s regular-season habits.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Investing in stocks with low valuations or those trading considerably below their peak values while still maintaining strong margins affords investors the chance to benefit from mean reversion and potential re-rating of valuations.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Conversely, a continual underperformance in revenue and operating income growth for Tapestry would strengthen the assertion that the stock is overpriced in relation to its competitors, yet might not revert soon.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Stoutmire reverted back to his comfort factor with the Razorback staff when asked what stood out about his trip to Fayetteville.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Fungi fossils preserved in the chert contained compounds from the breakdown of chitin and glucan, key structural molecules in fungi.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Early motorists often carried tools and spare parts, expecting breakdowns as part of the journey.
    Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Senate passed the bipartisan package on Friday evening, but funding for several major agencies lapsed early Saturday morning when the House failed to act, triggering a partial shutdown that has furloughed workers and forced others to work without pay.
    Nik Popli, Time, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The House is not returning until Monday, ensuring funding will lapse for parts of the government, at least temporarily.
    Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Room for Disagreement Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, warned of an impending recession, in part due to consumption outpacing wages.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Investors want more interest rate cuts that will support consumer spending and corporate profits, but not so many that would indicates the economy is slowing down or at risk of recession.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Diggins said the setback did little to dampen her confidence.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • But Mandac used those setbacks as motivation, taking some new knowledge away from each defeat.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Truck crashes in Philippines; 9 dead MANILA, Philippines -- A truck veered off a downhill mountain road and plunged into a ravine in the central Philippines, killing nine workers on board, investigators said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Before the crash, officers on the ground exchanged gunfire with the shooting suspect.
    Stephen Sorace , Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His exit was immediate; he has been replaced by the mayor pro tem, just as Sawyer replaced Nail before the collapse of the police force, and the council will decide whether to hold a special election later this month.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Three years before the balcony collapse that severely injured 10 people, the condo's property manager hired engineers and contractors.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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