DETERIORATES Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

deteriorates

verb

present tense third-person singular of deteriorate

as in worsens

to become worse or of less value the garden slowly deteriorated after months of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in degrades

to lower in character, dignity, or quality childish name-calling that merely deteriorates what should be a serious discussion on an important issue

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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 deteriorates Production volumes may remain high over a short period, even as supply security deteriorates. — Kari Stoever, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 As the charging system deteriorates, electronic features may stop working properly. — Michael Kurko, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Viewers may scan a QR code for their own copy of the audio track, which deteriorates in sound quality with every download. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 When Ross was 14, he was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that, among other things, deteriorates the white matter in the brain. — Michael Spencer, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Iraola’s dismissal came as a surprise to a number of his players, although Catala, who later managed Larnaca, explains that there is a volatility to decision-making in Cyprus if form deteriorates. — Andy Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 As security deteriorates around the Gulf and prospects for a near-term peace deal recede, regional states are strengthening their defenses. — semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026 When judgment deteriorates, every downstream outcome eventually reflects it. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Presidents fall, elections are held, and international interventions return — yet insecurity deepens and governance deteriorates. — José Singer, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deteriorates

Verb

Therefore, analysts note that if extreme weather worsens water and power scarcity, the impact could ripple through the entire semiconductor supply chain.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Ford said in an interview published Monday that Canada should be prepared to cut off electricity exports to the United States if the trade war worsens, putting a potentially powerful weapon on the table.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of worsens

Verb

The team also did impedance measurements to find out how fast the protection degrades.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Because the watermark degrades with more thorough editing or in shorter samples of text, its usefulness may also be uneven depending on the department or assignment.

— Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of degrades

Verb

Siegel noted that measles weakens the immune system and increases the risk of pneumonia, which can stem from measles itself or from a secondary bacterial infection.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Employment has been a mostly resilient area of the economy even as stubborn inflation continues to squeeze businesses and households, while consumer confidence weakens.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakens

Verb

As the plane descends, a lush landscape of verdant mountains that flow down into charming villages, beaches, and the crystal-clear waters beyond appears.

— Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Opening night 2027-28 Winnipeg can compete for the playoffs in 2027-28 if Björck ascends before Scheifele descends.

— Murat Ates, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of descends

Verb

The fee applies during the first 13 years of the agreement and gradually declines over the remaining initial term.

— Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
Recent findings show that early-career workers – ages 22 to 25 – in occupations most vulnerable to AI automation, such as software development and customer service, have experienced employment declines.

— Maria Black, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of declines

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deteriorated

deteriorates

deteriorating

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

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Synonyms of deteriorates

verb

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