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

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as in deepens

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

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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 When the outlook for a company’s fundamentals worsens, investors often respond by trading the stock down. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 This challenge worsens as AI adoption expands across the enterprise. — Tim Beerman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Repeatedly tilling clay worsens soil compaction, so only do this the first year. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 For some, consuming high-fat meals also triggers loose stools, urgent bathroom use, or worsens acid reflux, Manaker continues. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026 See a dermatologist if symptoms persist or hair loss worsens. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 25 July 2026 For instance, multiple events can occur simultaneously or in succession, leading to compounding or cascading effects, such as drought that worsens wildfire risk. — Deepti Singh, The Conversation, 24 July 2026 As climate change worsens, punishing heat waves are becoming the norm across the Northern Hemisphere. — Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 Anyone whose diarrhea lasts more than two to three days, worsens or is accompanied by signs of dehydration should contact a primary care physician. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsens

Verb

Iraola’s dismissal came as a surprise to a number of his players, although Catala, who later managed Larnaca, explains that there is a volatility to decision-making in Cyprus if form deteriorates.

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
The key is to compare those options before your financial situation deteriorates further.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of deteriorates

Verb

World oil demand is set to fall further than previously expected this year, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday, as the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz deepens.

— Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask,Lee Ying Shan,Sarah Min, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
February 19 – March 20 Trust deepens when care comes with clear terms.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepens

Verb

Over time, as players bluff, bargain, and make increasingly dubious trades, trust starts to erode, more and more adverse selection happens — and the game descends into a kind of joyful chaos.

— Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026
As Rhaenyra slowly descends into a pit of despair and desperation, Daemon and his armies run into some snags on their assault of Tumbleton thanks to the various tricks Lord Ormund has up his sleeves.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of descends

Verb

This move intensifies existing rivalries, notably with the Boston Celtics following the Jaylen Brown trade.

— Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The president addressed a smaller, heavily secured gathering Friday as his administration intensifies its legal and rhetorical attacks on journalists.

— Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 24 July 2026

Definition of intensifies

Verb

But when Dusty takes a tumble and aggravates his old wrist injury, that puts him out of the running.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
The minuscule particles can lead to breathing problems like bronchitis and cause inflammation that aggravates diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.

— Dakota Smith, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of aggravates

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worsening

worsens

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“Worsens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsens. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of worsens

verb

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