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

Now, in a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers have found that a single dose of psilocybin combined with about 10 psychotherapy sessions can reduce cocaine use and lower relapse risk. — Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026 Allison Janney won an Emmy for the Mom episode where her character has a drug relapse. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026

Verb

Seek medical care for prolonged or relapsing watery diarrhea, and ask your provider to specifically request cyclospora testing, as it is not reliably detected on routine stool exams. — Joseph Hernandez august 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 Then the algorithm gradually relapses unless a user consistently gives the same feedback over and over again. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 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

Noun

Dan Shanoff has a really interesting breakdown of the expenses.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
This dark coming-of-age story follows 13-year-old Nina, who moves in with her father and stepmother after her mother’s breakdown, becoming obsessed with her stepmother and her own emerging identity.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of breakdown

Verb

Those protections are part of a CISA provision that lapsed once, and Congress must soon decide if the provision should be extended.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
The last remaining arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington, New START, lapsed in February, and for the first time since 1972, nothing limits Russia’s and the United States’ expansion of their offensive or defensive nuclear forces.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of lapse

Noun

While the engine sputters out in other sectors, construction and manufacturing is roaring now because of data centers; otherwise, the industry would be in recession, a Chicago manager said in the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book this week.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
Several years into a deep recession, the near-collapse of the country’s entire infrastructure has upended Cubans’ daily lives, directly affecting their physical and mental health.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

The crash of an Amazon cargo plane is continuing to affect travel at Miami International Airport Wednesday as the investigation continues.

— Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
After significant crashes with higher G-forces, drivers must be assessed at the medical center for additional checks, including a concussion assessment.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of crash

Noun

Collapse adds to debate over Kennedy Center renovations The collapse comes as the Kennedy Center board's plan to temporarily close the facility for a two-year renovation remains tied up in federal court.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
In total, more than 5,000 people are missing in Nepal following last week’s catastrophic floods, which were triggered by a glacier collapse.

— Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of collapse

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relaid

relapse

relapsed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of relapse

noun

verb

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