relapse Synonyms
Another word for relapse
• noun (Context 1)
A deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement, or the return of a disease after a period of partial recovery.
"The patient seemed to be recovering well from the infection, but she suffered a sudden setback over the weekend."
• noun (Context 2)
A return to a former undesirable state, behavior, or addiction after a period of abstinence or improvement.
"Support groups provide essential accountability to help recovering addicts prevent a backsliding."
• verb (Context 3)
To suffer a deterioration in health or a return of symptoms after a temporary improvement.
"Without completing the full course of antibiotics, the patient is likely to deteriorate within a few weeks."
• verb (Context 4)
To slip or fall back into a former state, mood, or undesirable habit after a period of improvement or restraint.
"After answering a few questions politely, the exhausted witness relapsed into stubborn silence."
Opposites of relapse
The opposite of relapse shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: