WORSEN Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

worsen

verb

ˈwər-sᵊn

Definition of worsen

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

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 And so in facing the same electoral choices as last time, Nigerians are limited to the same set of ideas ill-suited against worsening problems. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The recent gains for corn prices have been driven in part by a worsening outlook for US yields. — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, chemical refrigerants continue to leak into the atmosphere, worsening the climate crisis. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 The man's condition worsened while waiting for a rescue helicopter, as an ambulance could not reach the location. — Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worsen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsen

Verb

Behrouz Mehri | Afp | Getty Images France's deteriorating public finances and political deadlock are becoming a growing concern for bond investors, with borrowing costs near financial-crisis-era highs as another difficult budget battle looms.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Israel has seen its own relations with Turkey deteriorate during Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s more than two-decade rule.

— Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of deteriorate

Verb

Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-pressing style was too intense and aggravated the risk of injury.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Sacramento Superior Court jurors also found true allegations of aggravating factors and a sentencing enhancement for multiple victims, prosecutors said.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggravate

Verb

Since seizing power, Tiani’s government has shifted away from Western partners, deepened ties with Russia and broken with the regional ECOWAS bloc, joining Mali and Burkina Faso to form the breakaway AES bloc.

— Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
My 50s has just continued to be about trying to figure out my place in the world and deepening my friendships with my friends, my family.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepen

Verb

Castro was released from a Texas jail last week after a judge declined to order his return to Minnesota.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
As a result of these shifts, in the last year, while the Nifty 50 has declined by more than 2%, the Nifty Midcap 150 index is up 10%, as per LSEG data.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of decline

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worse

worsen

worsened

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“Worsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsen. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of worsen

verb

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