WORSENING Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

worsening 1 of 2

noun

as in deterioration

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Dissimilar Words

worsening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of worsen

as in deteriorating

to become worse or of less value the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deepening

to make more severe the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage

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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 worsening

Noun

The South Bay has been able to absorb thousands of layoffs yet still avoid a worsening of the jobless rate in the region, Hancock noted. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026 However, the incidents have contributed to a worsening of the mood around Madrid and should also be considered notable for that reason. — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026 While alcohol may transiently improve mood and ease social anxiety, long-term alcohol use can lead to a worsening of mood, cognition and sleep, which can further compound use. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 With America’s loneliness epidemic worsening, there’s a real risk of suicide rates continuing to rise. — Sam Manzella, Flow Space, 5 Mar. 2026 For example, stopping antidepressants or anxiety medication can lead to severe worsening of the condition or potentially dangerous withdrawals. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 People with postexertional malaise, the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion, may be at a higher risk for adverse effects from the therapy, Faghy and Putrino point out. — Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 June 2026 Two of the people with MS, including Miller, have progressive MS, a form of the disease marked by gradual worsening of neurological function and disabilities over time. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026 Limited evidence suggests that people with genetic deficiencies of CoQ10 who abruptly stop taking it can experience a worsening of kidney function. — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 16 June 2026

Verb

Over several days, the boy was taken to clinics and emergency rooms as doctors searched for the cause of his worsening symptoms, the report said. — Sophie Ziedalski, NBC news, 2 July 2026 The film’s core narrative was that climate change is driving ever-worsening disasters, such as floods, droughts, storms and wildfires. — Bjorn Lomborg, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 At first, the crew believed the worsening weather was manageable but moments later, everything changed. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Dangerous fire weather conditions are expected to continue through the rest of the week, worsening near the week’s end, meaning there’s no end in sight for the beleaguered region. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Accelerating these efforts is crucial to protect children from worsening climate impacts. — Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The uninterrupted sun dries out soil increasing drought risk, and light winds allow pollutants to build up, worsening air quality, particularly in urban areas. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The work of mitigating the potential environmental fallout and addressing the creeping issue of how to handle the worsening smell of millions of pounds of spoiled food is now in the hands of the building’s private tenant. — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 The mayor said sending Haitian TPS holders back to Haiti would be irresponsible because of the country’s worsening security crisis, including rampant kidnappings and extreme gang violence. — Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsening

Noun

But nothing competes with the painful deterioration of her sight after contracting scarlet fever.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
In addition, city officials can now require owners to install security measures to help protect vacant buildings from further deterioration or trespassing.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of deterioration

Verb

In 1922, Kenmore House was deteriorating, and the Kenmore Association and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) needed $30,000 for its repairs and restoration.

— Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
And his political standing is now suddenly deteriorating to the point where Congress is maybe losing some of its fear, and there may be a different Congress after November.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026

Definition of deteriorating

Verb

Trump later dropped it, but still threatened tariffs against those who opposed his grab — deepening the rift.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Europe’s strategic periphery is not only integral to European security but is actively deepening transatlantic tensions and sharpening intra-European divisions.

— Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026

Definition of deepening

Noun

Press freedoms across Africa are already fragile, with most nations ranking in the lower half of an influential press freedoms index, while numerous recent coups have contributed to a weakening of democratic norms in parts of the continent.

— Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 29 June 2026
One of the most significant changes during Hill’s tenure was the weakening of structures designed to elevate teacher concerns to district leadership, Oreskovic said.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026

Definition of weakening

Verb

An islandwide blackout plunged Cuba’s nearly 10 million residents into darkness Monday, exposing a crumbling power grid and dwindling fuel reserves as officials raced to restore electricity.

— Milexsy Durán, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Of course, Microsoft’s browser dominance was crumbling by the time the EU managed to get that implemented.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026

Definition of crumbling

Verb

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
By expanding in Houston suburbs and the Rio Grande Valley, Sam’s Club is intensifying competition with Costco, BJ’s and local grocers for membership dollars.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of intensifying

Noun

Yet, for those failings, the Selecao found a way to come through on both occasions – mainly due to the in-game changes Ancelotti made.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of failing

Verb

After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.

— Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of declining

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

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Synonyms of worsening

noun

verb

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