WORSENS Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

worsens

verb

Definition of worsens next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deepens

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 worsens Global economic outlook worsens over Iran war The US and Iran appeared still willing to reach a peace deal despite American strikes and Tehran’s threats of reprisals — but the global economic fallout from the conflict deepened. —

semafor.com, 29 May 2026 When oil prices rise because of a supply disruption, as happened in 1973 and 1979, the economy worsens. —

Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 People rely on the Amazon for water and the hotter, drier conditions should increase wildfire risk, Seabrook said, threatening to turn the Amazon, which now sucks heat-trapping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, into a region that worsens the problem. —

Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 People rely on the Amazon for water and the hotter, drier conditions should increase wildfire risk, Seabrook said, threatening to turn the Amazon, which now sucks heat-trapping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, into a region that worsens the problem. —

ABC News, 27 May 2026 But a pandemic-era program is helping to keep it afloat as inflation worsens, while also aiming to create a new generation of seafood lovers. —

Joe Hernandez, NPR, 23 May 2026 The situation only worsens after 9/11, the immediate, unreal impact of which Rivilis sharply captures with a steady pan across a classroom of stunned students, their faces in various states of stricken disbelief, if not simply in their hands. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 May 2026 This can create a cycle where stress worsens physical symptoms and, in turn, the symptoms increase stress and anxiety. —

Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 15 May 2026 The steps taken in the hours and days after receiving that notice can play a major role in determining how much income is protected, and, ultimately, whether the situation worsens or becomes more manageable. —

Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 14 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsens

Verb

Because when executives aren’t safe to respectfully and directly challenge each other, the room grows quieter, and leadership quality deteriorates.

— Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Directed by Martin Scorsese, the neo-noir psychological drama follows De Niro as a taxi driver whose mental state deteriorates while working night shifts in New York City.

— Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 25 May 2026