1
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
2
as in aggravated
to make more severe
the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of worsened
The doctors said her vascular disease has worsened since she was last checked in 2024 and recommended an eight-month treatment course .
—
Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Drought conditions in Georgia have worsened since the project was announced, and today, the whole state is experiencing severe to exceptional drought, with destructive wildfires burning in the southern part of Georgia.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 13 May 2026
The longstanding problem has worsened in recent years, and Coronado’s Central Beach was closed to bathers on 129 days in 2025 because of unsafe bacteria levels.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Overcrowding has worsened conditions at the Mecklenburg County jail in recent months, people held there told The Charlotte Observer.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
Over the next couple of hours, Cantrell’s condition worsened, the suit says.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 12 May 2026
One of the most striking patterns in midlife HS is that patients often describe symptoms as more disruptive—even when clinical severity hasn’t significantly worsened.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
According to French Health Minister Stephanie Rist, a French woman also tested positive for hantavirus and her condition has worsened in the hospital overnight, per the Associated Press.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Her symptoms worsened during a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 25.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Drought conditions in Georgia have worsened since the project was announced, and today, the whole state is experiencing severe to exceptional drought, with destructive wildfires burning in the southern part of Georgia.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 13 May 2026
The longstanding problem has worsened in recent years, and Coronado’s Central Beach was closed to bathers on 129 days in 2025 because of unsafe bacteria levels.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Overcrowding has worsened conditions at the Mecklenburg County jail in recent months, people held there told The Charlotte Observer.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
Over the next couple of hours, Cantrell’s condition worsened, the suit says.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 12 May 2026
One of the most striking patterns in midlife HS is that patients often describe symptoms as more disruptive—even when clinical severity hasn’t significantly worsened.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
According to French Health Minister Stephanie Rist, a French woman also tested positive for hantavirus and her condition has worsened in the hospital overnight, per the Associated Press.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Her symptoms worsened during a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 25.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsened
Verb
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Even the city emblem right in front of City Hall is deteriorated.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
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Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned in Zanjan Prison in the northwest since her arrest in December, was transferred last Friday to a local hospital after her health sharply deteriorated.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
8 May 2026
Verb
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When asked if there was one particular incident that aggravated the knee, Webb pointed to his recent start against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 30.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
-
Ingram aggravated a heel injury that bothered him late in the regular season in the second quarter of Wednesday’s Game 5.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Murdaugh’s father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather were each elected as top prosecutors in the region, burnishing a family reputation that eventually crumbled.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
-
That’s how the Spurs got going early, and Minnesota’s defense crumbled.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Several candidates said the case has intensified conversations around ethics and accountability, while also highlighting broader frustrations residents already had with City Hall responsiveness and city services.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
9 May 2026
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Forgoing the traditional show of force in favor of security, the parade took place after intensified Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, particularly against oil refineries, as the Ukrainian government accuses the Kremlin of continuing attacks on Kyiv and beyond.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Verb
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And mere days before the art world descended on Venice for the preview week, the entire jury resigned, presumably related to their prior decision to exclude countries charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, which would include both Israel and Russia.—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
7 May 2026
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But nothing has replaced the void left by mining, which, though dangerous and poorly paid, galvanized those who descended into the earth with working-class pride and purpose.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
Verb
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China, which has deepened military and economic cooperation with both Pakistan and Iran in recent years, has publicly celebrated Pakistan's role in facilitating indirect communications between Tehran and Washington.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
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On the witness stand, Nadella testified that OpenAI retained its independence even as the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership deepened over time.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Kazarian declined to comment further on Friday afternoon.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
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The Padres placed Cruz on the restricted list in mid-March and have declined further comment.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Verb
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But a fascinating 1998 study published in the International Journal of Primatology complicated this explanation.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5 to 8 percent of births in the United States are complicated by preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders.—
Tina Sturdevant,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Worsened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsened. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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