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.

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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

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 See All Example Sentences for relapse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relapse

Noun

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
The next decades will be defined by explosive changes and waves of crises, not a reversion to the old order or the creation of a new one.

— Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of reversion

Verb

That project was scrapped in February 2025 due to creative differences and the rights have since reverted back to Maas.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Marathon Petroleum, YTD Cyclical (or mean reverting) businesses look cheapest at the top as P/Es fall on record earnings.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of revert

Noun

The plan also included a breakdown of which areas are targeted for these elevations, which indicates the areas with properties at the highest risk of flooding.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Wildland firefighters can also face rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of skeletal muscle that can contribute to kidney injury.

— Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of breakdown

Verb

And periodic ceasefires during the war sent global oil prices lower – only to rise again whenever those agreements have lapsed or run out.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
In fact, recent research suggests that 71% of in-store buying represents new, lapsed, or occasional purchases.

— Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of lapse

Noun

In the 9/11 crisis and the recession, that’s when forward guidance began, and then it was institutionalized in the great financial crisis.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The lipstick index is an economic theory holding that sales of affordable discretionary spending or luxuries skyrocket when consumers believe an economic recession is impending.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

Another veteran right-hander, pending free agent Nick Pivetta, is uncertain to return this season after suffering a flexor strain in April and a recent setback in his rehab.

— Dennis Lin, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
The latest setback comes at a time when Toronto is already managing a lengthy injury list, making organizational depth especially important.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of setback

Noun

Paul Rees, a driving consultant who was involved in the Top Gear crash, is also suing BBC Studios for £150,000 ($200,000) over the accident.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
The identities of the four people on board have not been released, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of crash

Noun

Escaping an energy collapse Things didn’t collapse as analysts feared at the beginning of the conflict.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
The letter provides the most complete window into Kapoor’s thinking since the collapse of his company, Location Ventures, three years ago.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of collapse

Browse Nearby Words

relaid

relapse

relapsed

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Style

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of relapse

noun

verb

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