Definition of worsennext

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 Projecting resilience Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in January’s protests that were triggered by worsening inflation but turned into calls for the end of the Islamic Republic, bringing a bloody crackdown. Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Cost-effective robotic assistance could prove welcome for Japan’s airports, which have struggled with a worsening human labor shortage. ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026 Even so, many residents say the project would worsen congestion and alter the character of the community, just north of Surfside and south of Haulover in Northeast Miami-Dade. Cbs News Miami, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 Now, according to her husband, her condition has worsened dramatically. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worsen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsen
Verb
  • Employees — unable to make payments without reimbursement — are watching their personal credit scores deteriorate as a result.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • An old male Japanese macaque maintained alpha status as his ability to walk deteriorated, but only through an alliance with the alpha female.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Mercury aggravates Jupiter, intensifying your vulnerability in creative or romantic situations.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • With the likely exit of David Alaba — also considered to be a leader given his experience and influence — that issue would be further aggravated by Carvajal leaving.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That order is crumbling, and many of our former strengths built on our close ties to the United States have become our weaknesses.
    Keely Bastow, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The top of his head drilled Bona’s chest, and the Celtics guard crumbled to the court, holding his neck.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His work deepened and developed under the responsiveness of the academy and a larger and not-yet-balkanized reading public.
    Nick Laird, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • With worker shortages deepening across the region, governments are running out of time.
    Catherine Thorbecke, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But despite that meeting, on Monday, more than 1,000 MAHA advocates will descend on the Supreme Court to protest the administration’s support for Bayer in a case on the handling of the herbicide glyphosate, the main chemical in RoundUp.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The all-women Japanese promotion also performed in the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort during the week as pro wrestling fans descended on the city ahead of WrestleMania 42.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The shooting has also intensified calls by conservatives to fully fund DHS through a single bill — blaming Democrats for the shutdown and arguing that splitting apart ICE and Border Patrol funding will only give the minority party leverage.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Instead, the slight thaw suggests a more modest agenda that the countries should now pursue, one that acknowledges that tensions between them over fundamental issues — trade, technology, global status — are more likely to intensify than abate.
    Andy Browne, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sturm declined comment on the elbow.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The Nuggets refused to engage, declining to respond on the off day.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Plus, mental illnesses can be triggered and exacerbated by life circumstances.
    Aneri Pattani, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • However, because lower rates can exacerbate inflation, which remains above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed has left its overnight lending rate alone at its past two meetings.
    Matt Ott, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsen. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on worsen

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster