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.

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

"This is no longer a rural place. It's going to get worse if they get their way."

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

The newfound optimism rests on the delicate assumption that the conflict between the U.S. and Iran is not going to get worse.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

They are turning off traders—and they could get worse as the platforms draw more money and mainstream visibility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

And at some point, it would get worse, just as it had before.

From "Time Bomb" by Joelle Charbonneau