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.

Related Words

Relevance

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

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

Chris wound up relapsing and tragically dying from a fentanyl overdose in 2018. — David Manheim, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026 Around 2016, Moore and her children became estranged for three years when the actress relapsed with substance abuse. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relapse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relapse

Noun

Referred to as reversions, these should also be removed promptly.

— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 12 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of reversion

Verb

In Tampa Bay’s 43-13 demolition of the Carolina Panthers, Young reverted to the form of his first two years with an offensive line that reverted, too.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
Rollback plans should account for data changes and financial transactions; reverting application code alone may not reverse a financial consequence.

— Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of revert

Verb

In 2014, he was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, though that status has since lapsed, the department said.

— Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
This is a serious, serious issue because lapsing Starshield in that manner costs human lives.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of lapse

Noun

Elsewhere, deadly attacks continued and Ukraine's central bank warned that damage to industrial targets could push the country into a recession.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
States typically respond to a recession by drawing down reserves, hoping to delay program cuts and tax hikes for as long as possible.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

Other potential launch providers, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin, are both working through setbacks with their launch vehicles.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
As last week’s red flag warning took effect, the reservoir remained out of service after a series of setbacks during repairs.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of setback

Noun

That count includes troops who died in medical events and other situations that do not have a direct connection to the conflict, with 18 service members having been killed from Iranian strikes, combat aircraft crashes or disposal of Iranian drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
The crash occurred after an SUV veered off the road, ran into a sign and rolled over.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of crash

Browse Nearby Words

relaid

relapse

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of relapse

noun

verb

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