1
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 worsen
My Raynaud’s Syndrome, which I’d had for years but had recently worsened, went from flaring occasionally to flaring daily — my fingers and toes turning blue without warning, and eventually my lips, too.
—
Melissa Gonzalez, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The investigation reported that in September 2022, doctors prescribed topical creams to treat the worsening condition.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Some blood pressure-lowering medications may improve your lipid profile, whereas others may actually worsen it.
—Jennifer Moll, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025
Carol Mitchell’s niece, Pam Muxfeldt, also said the publicity, lifestyle changes and disruptions in the months since the burglary have worsened her aunt’s Alzheimer’s symptoms.
—Ingrid Harbo, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for worsen
Melissa Gonzalez, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The investigation reported that in September 2022, doctors prescribed topical creams to treat the worsening condition.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Some blood pressure-lowering medications may improve your lipid profile, whereas others may actually worsen it.
—Jennifer Moll, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025
Carol Mitchell’s niece, Pam Muxfeldt, also said the publicity, lifestyle changes and disruptions in the months since the burglary have worsened her aunt’s Alzheimer’s symptoms.
—Ingrid Harbo, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for worsen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsen
Verb
-
Officials chose Dillow for closure because the building’s condition was rapidly deteriorating due to a water leak.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Farley, a former New York City health commissioner who teaches at Tulane University, acknowledged that many factors contribute to falls, including the physical impairments and deteriorating eyesight associated with advancing age; alcohol abuse; and tripping hazards in people’s homes.—
Paula Span,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Man charged in shooting A man identified in court documents as Jermaine Hall has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop or detention in connection with the shooting.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Money could be at the heart of the power struggle when Mars aggravates Pluto.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps most puzzling was coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense crumbling in the second half and overtime after three weeks of being arguably the league’s best defense.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The defense then crumbled in the red zone for a hat trick of first-half scores.—
Mike Kaye
September 28,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
His appetites and his animosities only deepen.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Jung Yeon-Je / AFP via Getty Images file Kim has also deepened his country’s military cooperation with Russia, sending artillery and thousands of troops to support President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine.—
Stella Kim,
NBC news,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the goals, tactics and personalities pressing hands to television necks didn’t descend fully formed on January 20, 2025.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Hardcore fans from all over the planet will be descending on Spain for the opening shows, and many will likely follow them as the tour continues throughout Italy, England, Denmark, and Germany.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Sep. 2025
-
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Rizzo declined to comment on any potential campaign, pointing to ongoing efforts to strike down the map.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Energy demands around the world are rising, and with the increasing impacts of climate change and the declining efficiency of existing infrastructure, the situation is likely to worsen.—
Lauren Giella,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Some experts underscored the elevated risk of political violence created by social media, saying its algorithms favor provocative posts that induce user engagement but exacerbate political division.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
25 Sep. 2025
-
This shortage was exacerbated during the pandemic home-buying frenzy, when historically low mortgage rates triggered a surge in demand all across the country which brought prices up.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Worsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsen. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share