relapse 1 of 2

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
His main goal is to provide support and encouragement, especially during relapses. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025 In the season 7 premiere, it's revealed that Antonio is back in rehab after a relapse. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Father Joe’s did not have a breakdown of where the remaining 190 or so ended up, although leaders noted that some participants had repeatedly relapsed. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025 These overlapping challenges frequently reinforce one another, leaving returning prisoners vulnerable to depression, substance abuse, or relapse into crime. Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relapse
Noun
  • Is this Rick’s fresh start, or a reversion to his old ways?
    Willing Davidson, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
  • While the downtrend is still intact, price is reaching a level where a mean-reversion bounce could set up.
    Nishant Pant, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If O'Connell were to revert back to the second-year quarterback as his starter, Minnesota would have McCarthy under center on the road against the Detroit Lions on November 2.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Trump quickly reverted back to Boston, before taking one final question in the Oval Office.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The show deftly veers between comedy and tragedy, using a local news staple’s breakdown to issue dire warnings about consumerism and global warming.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, every apparent breakdown has turned into a bear trap, sparking powerful reversals in the opposite direction.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That could upend people’s ability to buy food on an unprecedented scale — the program has not lapsed during any government shutdown in recent history.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But a coordinated national assessment of trends is a necessary part of preparedness, experts say, and that has lapsed.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In an exclusive interview with Fortune, Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi said that while the White House may be aiming to lift sentiment ahead of midterms, the Fed fears rising unemployment and political blowback if America enters a recession.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • When these run out however, devaluation is inevitable, usually causing a recession.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This recent injury followed a similar setback in 2023.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Occasional setbacks are part of the process—stay consistent and calm, and your dog will learn.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After the crash, the SUV was reportedly struck by a tractor-trailer that was traveling in the right lane behind the vehicle.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Five people were killed and one was injured in five vehicle crashes on Arkansas roads from Saturday through Wednesday, according to preliminary police reports.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Energy revenue is the linchpin of Russia’s economy, allowing Putin to pour money into the armed forces without worsening inflation for everyday people and avoiding a currency collapse.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Second-half collapse The Suns cut the deficit to 12 after outscoring the Kings 16-11 to start the second half.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relapse. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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