WORSENS Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

worsens

verb

present tense third-person singular of worsen

as in deteriorates

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 deepens

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 worsens Although researchers and experts know that hormonal changes can influence how the nervous system processes pain and may heighten pain sensitivity, researchers have yet to establish whether declining estrogen directly worsens fibromyalgia. — Cheyenne Buckingham, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026 French bond turmoil worsens French social and political volatility is compounded by an emerging fiscal crisis, which on Thursday pushed its benchmark government borrowing cost to a fresh 24-year high. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 This yearly bottleneck worsens as changing fee structures make costs hard to predict. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 French budget crisis worsens amid student protests France could be on the precipice of a financial crisis, as escalating student protests roiled an already shaky bond market. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Frequent use of online sports betting increases the likelihood that a household files for bankruptcy and worsens debt delinquency. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026 Ask yourself what scenario is going to provide your brother with the best care, especially as his condition worsens and his needs change. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026 The musician, 60, sat down with Tamron Hall for a candid conversation about living with Parkinson’s disease, which affects the nervous system, can affect movement and often worsens over time. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 While the Science study found workers in remote-friendly jobs had higher levels of mental distress, other experts cautioned against the idea that remote work alone worsens mental health. — Cordilia James, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsens

Verb

If the unrest continues, confidence deteriorates further or market tensions intensify, growth could be even weaker.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
As her brother Aldwin’s mental health deteriorates, Lil considers risking her future to travel to him.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of deteriorates

Verb

Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images China's benchmark CSI 300 index on Thursday entered bear-market territory, falling 20% from its June peak, as a prolonged sell-off in its equities deepens.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
As Carson and Rapp’s search for Henry deepens, Yaga cuts a jagged (though, at this point, well-trod by shows like Hulu’s Furious or even Netflix’s East of Eden) path through themes of wealth, male entitlement, female rage and the purpose of myth.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of deepens

Verb

As the meal goes on and Rob seems to become increasingly inebriated, the night descends into nonsensical confrontations between Rob and the bartender, Rob and producers, Rob and his brother, and, finally, Rob and Michaella.

— Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
The rest of the film quickly descends into various levels of nightmarish weirdness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of descends

Verb

The dispute unfolds as Russia intensifies attacks across Ukraine and as Kyiv presses Western allies for more interceptors, while new diplomatic efforts seek to end the war.

— Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
If the war with Iran intensifies again, foreign executives will be reluctant to even visit Saudi Arabia, let alone invest in it.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensifies

Verb

When new, concrete possesses a thin, temporarily protective layer that, if not maintained, will wear away, exposing the interior, which gradually crumbles.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
The Packers’ identity is that of a team that can’t shut the door, one that crumbles when momentum turns in a hostile away environment.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of crumbles

Verb

For Rick Tankersley, the former vice chancellor for research who chaired the commission, that history complicates treating R1 as a signature accomplishment of Gaber’s tenure.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026
Its long history of repairs, however, complicates archaeological dating, Storchan said.

— Michele Chabin, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of complicates

Verb

The Salt Lake County clerk requests assistance to secure the polls, but the sheriff, unsure about jurisdiction, declines.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Steep declines across the tech space, led by Meta and the chip sector, saw Nasdaq log its worst day since June.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of declines

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worsens

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“Worsens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsens. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of worsens

verb

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