backslide 1 of 2

noun

Definition of backslidenext
as in relapse

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backslide

2 of 2

verb

as in to relapse

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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 backslide
Noun
The United States is experiencing a dangerous backslide in the fight against measles. — Jerome Adams, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026 Pankiw’s efforts come as Hollywood has seen a further backslide in women’s employment. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
Against the backdrop of constant progress, ordinariness feels like backsliding. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 May 2026 This looks like backsliding for a region that was already struggling to meet its emissions targets. — Julius Cesar Trajano, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backslide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backslide
  1. relapse
  2. lapse
  3. regression
  4. revert
  5. reversion
  6. regress
  7. retrogression
  8. return
Noun
  • Some improved dramatically in just a few days, while others required longer courses to cure their infection and avoid relapse.
    — Amy J. Mathers, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Rates of relapse among nonpregnant patients averaged 72%, according to a systematic review of 13 studies.
    — Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of relapse
Verb
  • And periodic ceasefires during the war sent global oil prices lower – only to rise again whenever those agreements have lapsed or run out.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, recent research suggests that 71% of in-store buying represents new, lapsed, or occasional purchases.
    — Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of lapse
Noun
  • That agreement does not make the regression a substitute for the much broader information incorporated into betting markets.
    — Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • However, instead of a conservative regression, Dressen has noticed institutions striving to adopt more innovative practices on a number of levels.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of regression
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
  • 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
  • DeBrusk’s shooting percentage is going to regress favourably.
    — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Seminoles find a way to generate some optimism after a solid win over a Cavaliers’ squad some expect to regress this season.
    — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of regress
Noun
  • This book is all about the fight to stem the tide of retrogression.
    — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Nov. 2025
  • Visa retrogression might become more of an issue for Indian and Chinese applicants who invest under the high-unemployment category due to its more limited availability.
    — Sam Silverman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of retrogression
Verb
  • Requests for comment were sent to the Red Sox and Audacy, which owns WEEI, but were not immediately returned.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Day turns to night, and then day again, but John doesn’t move until Linney returns.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of return

Browse Nearby Words

backslid
backslide
backslider
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Cite this Entry

“Backslide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backslide. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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