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 The surplus of short-term rentals worsens the shortage of affordable housing. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 The loss of immigrant workers worsens the staffing crisis and increases the workload on existing employees. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026 See a dermatologist if hair shedding lasts more than six to eight weeks, worsens suddenly, becomes patchy, or does not improve. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 13 July 2026 Chlorosis typically starts in the area between the leaf veins and then worsens. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 9 July 2026 The noise progresses to a rough grinding sound and performance worsens. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 8 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsens
  1. deteriorates
  2. deepens
  3. descends
  4. intensifies
  5. crumbles
  6. complicates
  7. declines
  8. aggravates
Verb
  • As a result, the quality of life of those that work and live in these rural areas deteriorates.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • In Gosha’s case, that involves getting mixed up with gangsters at a seedy nightclub, a sequence that quickly deteriorates from being mildly comical to sinister to outright terrifying by even degrees.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Definition of deteriorates
Verb
  • Their cycle of retaliation deepens until each discovers that the greater threat comes from the people closest to them.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 July 2026
  • Bootleg’s production deepens the sense of mystery, cranking the reverb and scuffing the surfaces.
    — Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 22 July 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • Yet, as the WNBA descends upon Chicago for All-Star weekend, Engelbert is reaching an inflection point in her tenure.
    — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • The complaints about regulations are one of the many cases where SNGA descends into political and cultural grievance.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
Definition of descends
Verb
  • The Chinese Communist Party purged another top official Tuesday, as Xi Jinping intensifies his anti-corruption drive.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 14 July 2026
  • Zelensky is keen to accelerate efforts with European countries to develop its air defenses ahead of winter, when Russia usually intensifies its attacks to deny Ukrainians electricity, heat and water.
    — Emma Carmichael, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • That is the moment that everything crumbles for Rachel.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
  • Loyalty, betrayal, illness and war all bear down on the group as the old order crumbles around them.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
Definition of crumbles
Verb
  • Rutschman’s eligibility for free agency after next season further complicates the matter.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The flare-up complicates a week Manila had hoped would showcase its ASEAN chairmanship.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 21 July 2026
Definition of complicates
Verb
  • An engagement score declines, a review meeting goes flat, a survey response comes back indifferent—and the team responds.
    — Frank Auger, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • If a winner cannot be contacted; fails to respond within ten (10) days; is found ineligible; or declines the prize, The Athletic may select an alternate winner.
    — The Athletic, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of declines
Verb
  • 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
  • The light that aggravates her pigmentation isn't only coming from the sky.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 July 2026
Definition of aggravates

Browse Nearby Words

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 25 Jul. 2026.

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