RELAPSE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

relapse 1 of 2

noun

Definition of relapse

as in reversion

the act or an instance of returning to a usually worse state or condition She discussed some ways to help avoid a relapse after quitting smoking. After a long period of cancer remission, he suffered a relapse.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

relapse

2 of 2

verb

as in to revert

to return to a usually worse state or condition After a few good months of keeping their rooms clean, the kids relapsed into their old untidy habits.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 relapse

Noun

Now, in a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers have found that a single dose of psilocybin combined with about 10 psychotherapy sessions can reduce cocaine use and lower relapse risk. — Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026 Allison Janney won an Emmy for the Mom episode where her character has a drug relapse. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026

Verb

Then the algorithm gradually relapses unless a user consistently gives the same feedback over and over again. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 If the patient relapses, the insurance coverage typically resets, allowing the provider to start a fresh billing cycle. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relapse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relapse

Noun

That sense is epitomised by the reversion to goalkeepers who can, unlike some of the strugglers from 2022-23, actually make saves on a consistent basis.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
The next decades will be defined by explosive changes and waves of crises, not a reversion to the old order or the creation of a new one.

— Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of reversion

Verb

That project was scrapped in February 2025 due to creative differences and the rights have since reverted back to Maas.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Marathon Petroleum, YTD Cyclical (or mean reverting) businesses look cheapest at the top as P/Es fall on record earnings.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of revert

Noun

Although the city does not give a breakdown of jobs by category, the creator economy has fueled some of the growth in the city’s entertainment employment over the last six years, said Patrick Prescott, Burbank’s community development director.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
For a parent to refuse them outright may represent a fundamental, irreparable breakdown of the doctor-patient relationship.

— Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of breakdown

Verb

The last remaining arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington, New START, lapsed in February, and for the first time since 1972, nothing limits Russia’s and the United States’ expansion of their offensive or defensive nuclear forces.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
What would have taken a novice lapsed coder like me hours of time struggling with physics models and code references was already in a functional, ready-to-test state with minimal effort.

— Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of lapse

Noun

In the 9/11 crisis and the recession, that’s when forward guidance began, and then it was institutionalized in the great financial crisis.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The lipstick index is an economic theory holding that sales of affordable discretionary spending or luxuries skyrocket when consumers believe an economic recession is impending.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

Sadiq also missed all but three training camp practices after experiencing a setback.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
The reversal is also a setback for Anna Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer and the driving force behind the Met Gala.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of setback

Noun

Escaping an energy collapse Things didn’t collapse as analysts feared at the beginning of the conflict.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
The letter provides the most complete window into Kapoor’s thinking since the collapse of his company, Location Ventures, three years ago.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of collapse

Browse Nearby Words

relaid

relapse

relapsed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of relapse

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes