1
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of worsen
In the Los Angeles region, these strong winds played a role in worsening the recent wildfires.
—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
The big picture: Student performance, which was already in decline before the pandemic, has worsened since 2020, making federal funds to help bridge academic gaps all the more important.
—April Rubin, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
By Wednesday, inclement weather will bear down on Washington, with snow, sleet and freezing rain expected to worsen already tough conditions for recovery personnel.
—Karina Tsui, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
As with other types of acne, stress, diet, not getting enough sleep or using oily makeup, skincare or haircare products may worsen existing acne, according to the AAD.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for worsen 
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
The big picture: Student performance, which was already in decline before the pandemic, has worsened since 2020, making federal funds to help bridge academic gaps all the more important.
—April Rubin, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
By Wednesday, inclement weather will bear down on Washington, with snow, sleet and freezing rain expected to worsen already tough conditions for recovery personnel.
—Karina Tsui, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
As with other types of acne, stress, diet, not getting enough sleep or using oily makeup, skincare or haircare products may worsen existing acne, according to the AAD.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for worsen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsen
Verb
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The center and star teammate Elias Pettersson’s relationship had deteriorated, and Vancouver felt the need to move one of them, if not both.—
Peter Baugh,
The Athletic,
1 Feb. 2025
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Her famous voice deteriorated through the years due to cocaine use, The New York Times reported.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
Fox News,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In court: Australia captain Sam Kerr is on trial this week for an offense of causing racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress of a police officer.—
Emily Olsen,
The Athletic,
4 Feb. 2025
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In November 2024, Shamika Mitchell, 38, was convicted of unlawful desertion of a child and aggravated child abuse, according to the State’s Attorney for Florida’s 7th Circuit.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Deciphering ancient scrolls with AI The scrolls would crumble if a researcher were to attempt to unfurl them by hand, likely destroying any trace of script.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN,
6 Feb. 2025
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This week, Simon & Schuster released That Friend, a four-hour aural performance piece about a fictional social media influencer whose personal life is crumbling just as her career as an online advice podcaster is taking off.—
Seija Rankin,
The Hollywood Reporter,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But there are long-term costs, and not simply in the risk of beggar-thy-neighbor trade policies of the kind that deepened the Great Depression.—
Bret Stephens,
The Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2025
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Small portions quickly add up to big portions and deepen our debt.—
Cal Thomas,
arkansasonline.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Witnesses said they were caught off-guard by the agents descending on their homes and that many hid in their apartments, afraid federal agents would barge in.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC News,
6 Feb. 2025
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The night of Charlotte FC’s inaugural home match — March 5, 2022 — when over 74,000 people descended on Bank of America Stadium and made for one of the most special nights in the city’s sports history.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Keep in mind, Venus will meet with Pluto in your sign on Feb. 7, which could intensify dynamics between you and a close friend or acquaintance.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
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Those talks are likely to intensify with Thursday’s NBA trade deadline fast approaching.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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And yet the United States needs immigrants to offset the declining birth rate in this country.—
Brad Wolf,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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According to the data, an infection with omicron provided an initial protection of nearly 80 percent between the first three to six months after infection, but that protection rapidly declined.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Economic analysts warn that higher tariffs could exacerbate inflation, as businesses are likely to pass additional costs onto consumers.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
3 Feb. 2025
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Hard water has a negative effect on our skin, exacerbating existing skin conditions such as dryness, eczema and deteriorating our hair.—
Samantha Mims,
Essence,
3 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near worsen
Cite this Entry
“Worsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsen. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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