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 frigid winter weather in Dallas-Fort Worth and across the country has worsened the nation’s already low blood supply, according to the American Red Cross.
—
Ciara McCarthy 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2026
Despite the general view that conditions have not worsened, most people noted ongoing difficult conditions for many small businesses.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The betrayal was exacerbated by back-and-forth arguing online and the posting of explicit material, only worsened when the two groups met up in Oakland the night of the shooting.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Lawyers at the firm said the office had become incapable of delivering timely outcomes, which was only worsened by the layoffs.
—Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Residents say conditions worsened as the winter storm intensified, while city officials insist the shelters were adequately supplied.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Japanese prisoners were initially barred from farm labor and community programs, even as labor shortages across Iowa worsened.
—Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Although interest rates on new-car loans have edged lower, car buyers are financing larger amounts, so the affordability crunch has only worsened.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026
Polling on immigration operations has worsened in recent weeks and some Republican lawmakers in Minnesota and nationwide have started to distance themselves from the crackdown in the state – signs the unease has spread.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Ciara McCarthy 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2026
Despite the general view that conditions have not worsened, most people noted ongoing difficult conditions for many small businesses.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The betrayal was exacerbated by back-and-forth arguing online and the posting of explicit material, only worsened when the two groups met up in Oakland the night of the shooting.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Lawyers at the firm said the office had become incapable of delivering timely outcomes, which was only worsened by the layoffs.
—Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Residents say conditions worsened as the winter storm intensified, while city officials insist the shelters were adequately supplied.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Japanese prisoners were initially barred from farm labor and community programs, even as labor shortages across Iowa worsened.
—Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Although interest rates on new-car loans have edged lower, car buyers are financing larger amounts, so the affordability crunch has only worsened.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026
Polling on immigration operations has worsened in recent weeks and some Republican lawmakers in Minnesota and nationwide have started to distance themselves from the crackdown in the state – signs the unease has spread.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsened
Verb
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Eventually, her health deteriorated to the point that Ingram left the team to see her back home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Since she was detained, Kordia’s faith has grown immensely, but her physical health has deteriorated, her cousin said.—
Rachel Royster
January 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After the game, head coach Doc Rivers confirmed to reporters that Antetokounmpo aggravated the calf injury which sidelined him for three-plus weeks in December.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Cucul-Bol was sentenced to 30 years in prison after accepting a plea deal for charges including leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, aggravated DUI resulting in death and reckless homicide.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Many athletes in the same situation may have crumbled under the pressure.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
16 Jan. 2026
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Everyone on the planet may smell like stale Budweiser and crumbled Fritos while watching the Super Bowl, but Bad Bunny doesn’t care.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Pockets of protests erupting across Iran over the past week have intensified pressure on a dysfunctional government struggling to manage a spiraling economic crisis.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Justice Department has intensified efforts to investigate fraud in the state after a social media video shared by YouTuber Nick Shirley went viral right before New Year's Day.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
And one night, a bunch of the editors of The Dartmouth Review descended on the shantytown protests and, with sledgehammers, slammed them down.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The trajectory is not altered; instead, existing advancements are deepened and extended.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
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The fatal shooting sparked demonstrations nationwide and has deepened fissures between federal and state officials.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The panel declined to rule on whether switchblades should be considered arms protected by the Second Amendment and ruled instead that California’s prohibition can remain in place because there are a sufficient number of historically similar laws banning other types of knives and bladed weapons.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Aubuchon declined an interview with The Enquirer via media relations firm Strategic Advisers.—
Jolene Almendarez,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Contrary to popular opinion, getting dressed does not need to be complicated — just take it from Pamela Anderson.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Pedroia’s Hall of Fame candidacy has always been complicated.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Worsened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsened. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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