worse

adjective

Definition of worsenext
as in worst

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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 worse Law enforcement sources also believe Tran was having unspecified emotional problems that had been getting worse in the weeks before the shooting. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2023 Five years after hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled government persecution in Myanmar, rights activists say conditions at refugee camps in Bangladesh are getting worse. — Tanbirul Miraj Ripon, NBC News, 1 Feb. 2023 In the meantime, practicing some good nail care habits recommended by the National Psoriasis Foundation can help keep nail psoriasis from getting worse. — Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 13 Feb. 2023 Data from the National Association of Realtors show the metropolitan Baltimore area’s housing crunch is only getting worse. — Giacomo Bologna, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for worse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worse
  1. worst
  2. lesser
  3. inferior
  4. normal
Adjective
  • But all of that would’ve been forgiven if Golden State’s offense didn’t cool down at the worst possible time.
    — C.J. Holmes, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Feb. 2023
  • Continue below to see the top 10 best and worst cities for football fans in 2023.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2023
Definition of worst
Adjective
  • Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.
    — Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.
    — Staff Writer Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
Definition of lesser
Adjective
  • More broadly, the idea that White players are inherently inferior no longer matches reality.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • This is because Austria would have remained on three points but with an inferior goal difference to Iran in the third-place standings (minus one to zero).
    — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of inferior
Adjective
  • For many women, painful periods are treated as an unfortunate but normal part of life.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Typically, El Niño is associated with wetter-than-normal conditions during the winter in Southern California.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of normal

Browse Nearby Words

worrywarts
worse
worsen
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Cite this Entry

“Worse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worse. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on worse

Nglish: Translation of worse for Spanish Speakers

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