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

According to the police foundation, the centers have helped cut crime relapses from 85% in 2017 to a current 6%. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026

These recommendations are based, in part, on studies that have found higher relapse rates among those who stop taking the medication versus those who do not. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

Verb

Months after his death, the Washington Post reported Irsay had relapsed and overdosed multiple times in the last five years, and was being treated by Haroutunian, who allegedly prescribed him opioids and ketamine. —Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

But against the Hawks, the Warriors relapsed into old habits. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026