WORSENS Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

worsens

verb

present tense third-person singular of worsen

as in deteriorates

to become worse or of less value the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect

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as in deepens

to make more severe the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage

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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 worsens 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 As the educator shortage worsens, lawmakers have authorized billions to flow into an unaccountable voucher program devoid of meaningful safeguards, even as Florida ranks 41st in per-pupil spending. — Andrew Spar, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 That difference may become more obvious if the weather suddenly worsens. — Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 In homes where indoor air quality was measured, kitchen nitrogen dioxide levels, which worsens asthma, also fell dramatically. — Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Those with lupus need to avoid the sun, while some with psoriasis get relief from it; storms can trigger migraines and joint pain; hot weather worsens postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). — Lorraine Boissoneault, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026 Repeatedly tilling clay worsens soil compaction, so only do this the first year. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 For some, consuming high-fat meals also triggers loose stools, urgent bathroom use, or worsens acid reflux, Manaker continues. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsens

Verb

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

Definition of deteriorates

Verb

As war fatigue deepens, politicians are increasingly exploiting anti-refugee sentiment for political gain.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, lifting what Damascus says was the last major impediment to investing in the country as Washington deepens ties to the new Syrian government.

— Reuters, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepens

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

Over the coming years, NASA’s VIPER rover, the European Space Agency’s PROSPECT drilling package, and the Japan-India LUPEX rover are expected to arrive at the moon’s south pole, as the race to find water sources intensifies.

— Reuters, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
The challenge of proximity becomes more serious when a storm rapidly intensifies.

— Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensifies

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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worsening

worsens

worship

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“Worsens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsens. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of worsens

verb

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