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

In its pivotal studies, Roche’s drug fenebrutinib cut the relapse rate by more than 50% versus Aubagio. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Some people experience a rollercoaster of relapses and remissions; others see the disease steadily progress, eventually leading to serious disability. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026

Verb

Rebecca Boumstein was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 16, then relapsed three years later. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Chris wound up relapsing and tragically dying from a fentanyl overdose in 2018. — David Manheim, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026