Synonyms of worsens

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

• deteriorates
• descends
• crumbles
• declines
• diminishes
• devolves
• regresses
• rots
• atrophies
• degenerates
• weakens
• ebbs
• decays
• sinks
• retrogrades
• disintegrates
• goes to seed
• recedes
• wanes
• degrades
• sags
• goes to pot
• falls
• reduces
• dwindles
• decomposes
• abates
• downsizes
• lessens
• undermines
• sours
• corrupts
• putrefies
• slips
• debilitates
• fails
• de-escalates
• lowers
• languishes
• lags
• spoils
• dilapidates
• droops
• wilts
• breaks down
• runs down
• wastes (away)
• molders
• flags

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improves
• ameliorates
• intensifies
• enhances
• heightens
• strengthens
• develops
• enriches
• progresses
• upgrades
• meliorates
• fortifies
• advances
• proceeds
• betters
• marches

2

as in deepens

to make more severe

the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deepens
• intensifies
• complicates
• aggravates
• exacerbates
• amplifies
• magnifies

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• helps
• relieves
• alleviates
• mitigates
• eases
• improves
• allays
• ameliorates
• assuages
• betters

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of worsens

The noise progresses to a rough grinding sound and performance worsens. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Once the finish is damaged, stains cling more easily, leading people to scrub even harder, which worsens the problem. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

From Montesquieu’s perspective, polarization worsens this appetite for disregarding constitutional norms. — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Oven buildup worsens over time, especially with roasting or broiling. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 2 July 2026

Dust can make your living spaces look neglected, but more importantly, the debris feeds dust mites and worsens allergies. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

Alcohol worsens sleep quality and dehydrates the body, while caffeine has a diuretic effect that encourages fluid loss and can raise body temperature. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

The problem worsens when residents keep windows closed at night for safety, effectively turning homes into ovens. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

Crowding behavior usually worsens during busier travel seasons, too, causing additional confusion around where the lines begin and end during boarding. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026