RELAPSE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

relapse 1 of 2

noun

Definition of relapse

as in reversion

the act or an instance of returning to a usually worse state or condition She discussed some ways to help avoid a relapse after quitting smoking. After a long period of cancer remission, he suffered a relapse.

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Dissimilar Words

relapse

2 of 2

verb

as in to revert

to return to a usually worse state or condition After a few good months of keeping their rooms clean, the kids relapsed into their old untidy habits.

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Dissimilar Words

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 relapse

Noun

This innovative medicine precisely delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, significantly reducing the risk of relapse. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Without treatment, symptoms can continue for a month or longer, and many people experience relapses where symptoms disappear before returning. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Verb

If the patient relapses, the insurance coverage typically resets, allowing the provider to start a fresh billing cycle. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 In 2025/2026, however, tensions arose when Raphinha relapsed just before the October Clasico lost to Madrid in the Bernabeu. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relapse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relapse

Noun

The study hypothesizes that the supergiant reversion may trigger a cool-down period.

— Jay Kakade July 23, Refractor, 23 July 2026
The tradwife trend is controversial in that it is seen by some as a rejection of feminism and a reversion to a seemingly simpler time.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 June 2026

Definition of reversion

Verb

The new mandate would likely cost billions of dollars and revert the Navy’s most advanced ships to a system that takes more sailors to operate and is more difficult to maintain.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Notably, this bill does not immediately require the Angels to revert their name to the Anaheim Angels, but only if the parties reach a sale or lease of the stadium.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of revert

Noun

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday the breakdown resulted from a telecommunications problem.

— Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Leo alleged that the relationship breakdown was exacerbated by a power imbalance that resulted in him becoming isolated at work.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of breakdown

Noun

But the party has recently suffered setbacks, losing a string of special elections, including one in June that brought now- Prime Minister Andy Burnham to power.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Many individuals with hidden or dynamic disabilities delay using mobility aids due to societal judgment, causing health issues and career setbacks.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of setback

Noun

So far, this is the only one of the NTSB recommendations stemming from the crash that has been resolved and marked closed by the agency.

— Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Two people, including a 13-year-old boy, were seriously hurt following a small plane crash on Wednesday in West Michigan, according to Michigan State Police.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of crash

Noun

But Bijan Khajehpour, another Iran expert and the managing partner at consulting firm Eurasian Nexus Partners, doesn’t think Iran’s economy is headed for imminent collapse.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
However, the article emphasizes socialism's historical failures, citing the collapse of the Soviet Union and Venezuela's severe economic devastation under socialist policies.

— Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of collapse

Browse Nearby Words

relaid

relapse

relapsed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of relapse

noun

verb

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