worse

adjective

Definition of worsenext
as in worst

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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 worse While the future is looking better, right now things are still getting worse. — WIRED, 24 Jan. 2023 Law enforcement sources also believe Tran was having unspecified emotional problems that had been getting worse in the weeks before the shooting. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2023 And new figures show that rather than improving, the problem has been getting worse. — Jon Marcus, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Jan. 2023 Essentially those factors compound the climate change factors which are also getting worse. — Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for worse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worse
  1. worst
  2. lesser
  3. inferior
  4. normal
Adjective
  • But all of that would’ve been forgiven if Golden State’s offense didn’t cool down at the worst possible time.
    — C.J. Holmes, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Feb. 2023
  • Continue below to see the top 10 best and worst cities for football fans in 2023.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2023
Definition of worst
Adjective
  • Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.
    — Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.
    — Staff Writer Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
Definition of lesser
Adjective
  • The Heat has also benefitted from some inferior opponents, as its three wins during the West Coast trip came against teams in the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Jazz that had one win at the time of the matchup.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Many medical experts consider the drops inferior for several reasons, including those mentioned in the handout.
    — Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of inferior
Adjective
  • By Saturday morning, air travel was already smoother and Bryan Bedford, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, said airline schedules should be back to normal by late Sunday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Nov. 2026
  • No threat was found and normal operations have since resumed.
    — S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 15 Nov. 2026
Definition of normal

Browse Nearby Words

worrywarts
worse
worsen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worse. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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