BACKSLIDES Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

backslides 1 of 2

noun

plural of backslide

as in relapses

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

backslides

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of backslide

as in lapses

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backslides

Noun

These results suggest there are potential bodily challenges associated with abstinence that contribute to relapses in alcohol use disorder.

— Marie Doyle, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
Left untreated, a Cyclospora infection can persist for weeks or even months, cycling through periods of apparent improvement followed by relapses.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of relapses

Verb

The immortal being who’d called himself a god just moments prior regresses into his stuttering, childhood self.

— Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Anagen is followed by a brief transitional phase called catagen, during which the follicle regresses and severs its connection to its blood supply.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of regresses

Verb

The school is owned by the city of Pembroke Pines, and a lease says the property reverts back to the city in 2037.

— Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2026
As light can selectively target the fluid, scientists were able to print microscopic conductive patterns that completely vanish once exposed to open air, which reverts the gel back into non-conductive liquid clusters.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026

Definition of reverts

Verb

Yamazaki returns as director for a film Toho and Gkids describe as featuring more extensive effects work than its predecessor, while keeping its post-World War II Japan setting grounded in the experiences of its characters.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
As Frieze Seoul returns for its fifth edition and KIAF marks its 25th anniversary this September, the city’s art market is entering a new phase.

— Payal Uttam, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of returns

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.

Browse Nearby Words

backsliders

backslides

backsliding

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of backslides

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

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

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

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

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

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes