get worse

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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.

get worse

Which means, as tough as the party’s path looks right now, things could always get worse.

From Slate ● Sep. 10, 2026

“The coastal flooding later this year, … it will get worse this fall and especially this winter.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

Their misery is only going to get worse.

From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026

These projections are based on current policy, but they could get worse.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

Still others seemed content that finally they were out of the bus station, that it could not possibly get worse.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers