Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

get worse

VERB
decay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
atrophy corrode decompose degenerate discolor disintegrate dissolve dwindle fade lessen mortify pollute rot shrivel wane wither
STRONG
blight collapse curdle decline defile depreciate dry-rot fail mildew mold molder perish putrefy sap sicken sink slump spoil suppurate turn weaken
WEAK
be impaired become contaminated break up go bad go to seed go to the dogs hit rock bottom hit the skids pejorate putresce reach depths waste away wear away
Antonyms
STRONGEST
brighten build color combine develop enlarge expand extend grow improve increase put together raise strengthen unite
STRONG
ascend help make well prosper rise
WEAK
flourish germinate ripen
VERB
worsen
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate damage decline depress deteriorate exacerbate impair lower
STRONG
corrode degenerate descend disintegrate retrograde retrogress rot sink
WEAK
fall off go downhill
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid comfort help improve increase make happy raise rise soothe
STRONG
build grow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though she soon found out that if she was late or missed repayments it would get worse.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Less than a third of consumers expect the economy to get better in the next six months, while nearly half expect it to get worse, according to the latest Morgan Stanley poll.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

So both investors and financial advisers are guilty of a fundamental confusion when arguing that, because inflation may get worse in coming years, bonds are a poor bet.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Most Americans think the job market will get worse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

“It’s a mixture of turmeric and some other medicinal powders. It’ll help keep you from falling ill. The monsoon will get worse soon.”

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman