RETROGRADES Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

retrogrades

verb

present tense third-person singular of retrograde

as in deteriorates

to become worse or of less value the Dark Ages, the period following the fall of the Roman Empire when Western civilization seriously retrograded

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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 retrogrades Then comes 11/11, the astro-numerological portal, and with it, Jupiter retrogrades into Cancer, your sector of wellness, service, and daily rituals. — Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 9 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrogrades

Verb

If the unrest continues, confidence deteriorates further or market tensions intensify, growth could be even weaker.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
As her brother Aldwin’s mental health deteriorates, Lil considers risking her future to travel to him.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of deteriorates

Verb

If the atom was originally in its lowest possible energy state, the new arrival immediately defines a new set of energy levels, like a fire-escape ladder that suddenly descends.

— George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
And has there ever been a cozier spot than the March house when autumn’s chill descends?

— Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of descends

Verb

Get evaluated if shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens at night or begins limiting everyday movement.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 3 Nov. 2026
Bar-Or distinguished the biology of relapsing MS — in which patients experience flare-ups — from progressive MS, which worsens gradually over time.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of worsens

Verb

Still, the ratings declines are a problem for Fox and Fox News, which will need to turn things around at some point.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
Rama asks Lakshmana to share the responsibilities of government and accept the position of heir apparent, but Lakshmana declines.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of declines

Verb

When new, concrete possesses a thin, temporarily protective layer that, if not maintained, will wear away, exposing the interior, which gradually crumbles.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
The Packers’ identity is that of a team that can’t shut the door, one that crumbles when momentum turns in a hostile away environment.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of crumbles

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retrograded

retrogrades

retrograding

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“Retrogrades.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrogrades. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of retrogrades

verb

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