Synonyms of relapse

relapse 1 of 2

noun

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

• reversion
• breakdown
• lapse
• recession
• setback
• crash
• collapse
• regression
• return
• recurrence
• backslide
• reversal
• retrogression
• atavism
• undoing
• meltdown
• ruin
• degeneration
• decline
• burst
• renewal
• knock
• nondevelopment
• outbreak
• recrudescence
• flare
• flutter
• outburst
• spurt
• flare-up
• flicker
• flurry
• flash

Dissimilar Words

• growth
• maturation
• gestation
• development
• evolution
• progression
• ripening
• advancement

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

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

Dissimilar Words

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of relapse

Noun

Allison Janney won an Emmy for the Mom episode where her character has a drug relapse. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026

If not treated, cyclosporiasis can last anywhere from a few days to over a month, and relapse is possible. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026

Verb

Then the algorithm gradually relapses unless a user consistently gives the same feedback over and over again. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026

If the patient relapses, the insurance coverage typically resets, allowing the provider to start a fresh billing cycle. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026