WORSENED Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

worsened

verb

past tense of worsen

as in deteriorated

to become worse or of less value the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aggravated

to make more severe the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 worsened Start by checking the hourly forecast for your destination, and ask everyone traveling with you about health considerations that could be worsened by heat pregnancy, heart conditions, medications that affect hydration. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 The impact of high taxes is worsened by high costs of compliance with myriad state and local regulations. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 Korpela said the shortage of marina slips has worsened in recent years as more people have purchased boats without a corresponding increase in dockage. — Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 The country’s power crisis worsened this year after the US forced Cuba’s main suppliers to stop oil shipments. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Investigators said the vessel attempted to return to shore as the weather worsened but was overwhelmed by the storm. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026 Despite the 2010 box office success ofJackass 3D, his spiral was worsened by the death of his best friend and Jackass co-star Ryan Dunn in a car crash the following year. — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026 As residents struggled to handle the extreme heat, worsened by climate change, so did climate infrastructure championed to combat it. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Critically, legislators inadvertently worsened the situation by deactivating accounts, thereby dismantling existing parental controls developed by Apple and Google. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsened

Verb

When that piano deteriorated, a player piano was secured for the plaza in June 2025, along with 25 piano rolls to play during events.

— Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Her husband Kennus Gowans has stood by her side as her health deteriorated over the last few years.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Definition of deteriorated

Verb

Chicago police said Lance Cunningham, 24, is facing felony charges, including multiple counts of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI.

— Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 30 June 2026
In August 2023, Shirilla was convicted of murder, felonious assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, drug possession, and criminal tools possession (psilocybin mushrooms and a scale were found at the crime scene).

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 June 2026

Definition of aggravated

Verb

Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure ‌this year, causing fuel shortages in parts of Russia.

— Reuters, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Gymshark’s growth has slowed as competition has intensified and consumers have become more cautious about spending.

— Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of intensified

Verb

Nearby, groups descended on a shopping center on 32nd Street, emptying trash cans and tossing merchandise from the Pavilions grocery store into the parking lot.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For decades, the top players in the sport have descended on this town in upstate New York known for its mineral springs and top-notch horse racing.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of descended

Verb

The location for the bronze statue on the Wimbledon grounds hasn't been announced and Williams-Ellis declined to offer specifics about the pose.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
In doing so, Valdez, like fellow successful DSA New York Congressional candidate Avila Chevalier, declined to endorse Jeffries as minority leader or even Speaker if the Democrats take back the House.

— Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 July 2026

Definition of declined

Verb

Ideally, costs are allocated to the customers who cause them, but that can be complicated to determine.

— Theodore J. Kury, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
But the private sector’s unifying ambitions have been met with a mixed response, complicated by an uneasy national mood.

— James Pollard, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of complicated

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“Worsened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsened. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of worsened

verb

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