worsen

verb

ˈwər-sᵊn How to pronounce worsen (audio)
Definition of worsennext
1
as in to deteriorate
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 to aggravate
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 worsen If symptoms persist or worsen seek immediate medical attention. — Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 6 July 2026 Growing evidence suggests visible light, particularly high-energy visible (blue) light from sunlight, can worsen pigmentation in people prone to melasma and in those with darker skin tones. — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 July 2026 Kooij says women with ADHD typically have had concentration and memory issues throughout life that worsen during perimenopause. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 7 July 2026 France suffers from persistent prison overcrowding and worsening detention conditions, according to the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for worsen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsen
  1. deteriorate
  2. aggravate
  3. crumble
  4. deepen
  5. descend
  6. intensify
  7. decline
  8. exacerbate
Verb
  • They can also be used for de-aging characters, creating performances in different languages, or preserving the voice or likeness of an actor whose health is deteriorating, as was the case with CAA client Eric Dane.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
  • Though concrete is a durable surface, concrete driveway repair is needed when the surface deteriorates and develops cracks over the years.
    — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Definition of deteriorate
Verb
  • The prospect of a lost season would aggravate some members of Congress and their constituents.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026
  • Chicago police said Lance Cunningham, 24, is facing felony charges, including multiple counts of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI.
    — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of aggravate
Verb
  • Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Survivors say that doors to the facility were locked and that migrants were left to die inside crumbling walls.
    — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • South Korean officials and experts say the vessel was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties between the countries, but some analysts have questioned how effective the vessel would be in active service.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • Another witness said Lopez stood up twice as the aircraft began descending into Las Vegas, went to the restroom, then returned to his seat before suddenly launching the attack.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Around 1,000 attendees are expected to descend on Madison Square Garden over the next two days to celebrate the union of the music superstar and Super Bowl champion.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of descend
Verb
  • Lane closures remained in effect, snarling traffic for several miles as rush hour intensified.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Brown was the subject of rampant trade rumors in recent weeks, with those intensifying after the Celtics’ attempt to flip him for Giannis Antetokounmpo failed.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • In May, during a tense commission meeting, a majority of commissioners declined to give her a raise after her first year on the job.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of decline
Verb
  • The heat wave comes as scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • The budget shortfall has been exacerbated by a decline in births and a reduction of immigration, resulting in fewer taxpayers at the same time that many Baby Boomers have begun receiving benefits.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of exacerbate

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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of worsen for Spanish Speakers

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