worsens

verb

present tense third-person singular of worsen
1
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
2
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 Therefore, analysts note that if extreme weather worsens water and power scarcity, the impact could ripple through the entire semiconductor supply chain. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Ford said in an interview published Monday that Canada should be prepared to cut off electricity exports to the United States if the trade war worsens, putting a potentially powerful weapon on the table. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 As the educator shortage worsens, lawmakers have authorized billions to flow into an unaccountable voucher program devoid of meaningful safeguards, even as Florida ranks 41st in per-pupil spending. — Andrew Spar, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 That difference may become more obvious if the weather suddenly worsens. — Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 In homes where indoor air quality was measured, kitchen nitrogen dioxide levels, which worsens asthma, also fell dramatically. — Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Those with lupus need to avoid the sun, while some with psoriasis get relief from it; storms can trigger migraines and joint pain; hot weather worsens postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). — Lorraine Boissoneault, STAT, 12 Aug. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsens
  1. deteriorates
  2. deepens
  3. descends
  4. intensifies
  5. crumbles
  6. complicates
  7. declines
  8. aggravates
Verb
  • Production volumes may remain high over a short period, even as supply security deteriorates.
    — Kari Stoever, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As the charging system deteriorates, electronic features may stop working properly.
    — Michael Kurko, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of deteriorates
Verb
  • The measure targets Central Valley and Central Coast lands facing strict groundwater pumping limits, offering a lifeline for growers as climate change deepens droughts.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This is the rare prequel that deepens and complicates the world of the original — and the rare lower-budget sequel that manages to look and sound great years later.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • Like the real-life star of such films as Black Swan, M is a former child actor whose film roles include a ballerina who descends into madness.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Mayday goes on too long and veers into nonsensical directions, with one episode depicting the pair breaking into a Soviet official’s home that descends into bedroom farce.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of descends
Verb
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pressed the delegation and European advisors for Patriot air defenses, a winter support package and long-term security guarantees as Russia intensifies drone strikes across Ukrainian cities.
    — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Grand Canyon’s vast, mile-deep landscape may appear timeless, but two devastating disasters have recently struck the iconic natural wonder as the climate crisis intensifies extreme weather.
    — Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • All of the big talk about personal drive, which makes Free Solo so darkly compelling, immediately crumbles into selfish pablum the second that children are introduced into the equation.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The person crumbles to the ground and gets hauled off to the hoosegow.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of crumbles
Verb
  • This is the rare prequel that deepens and complicates the world of the original — and the rare lower-budget sequel that manages to look and sound great years later.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Buss’ lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles County Superior Court this week, complicates an already-turbulent sales process for the Lakers that will ultimately require NBA approval.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicates
Verb
  • Ho-seok declines to participate, but Mi-ok becomes Ye-ji’s interview subject, and then, after a fashion, her friend.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • But a 2023 study found that construction professionals perceived the fast-track strategy as posing a different set of risks, including construction errors and productivity declines, when better productivity is supposed to be the whole point.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of declines
Verb
  • Social pressures intensify as the Aries moon aggravates Mars.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Regardless, the lure of short-form cricket aggravates the Test situation.
    — Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggravates

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worsening
worsens
worship
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Cite this Entry

“Worsens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsens. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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