worse

adjective

Definition of worsenext
as in worst

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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 worse While the future is looking better, right now things are still getting worse. — WIRED, 24 Jan. 2023 Law enforcement sources also believe Tran was having unspecified emotional problems that had been getting worse in the weeks before the shooting. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2023 And new figures show that rather than improving, the problem has been getting worse. — Jon Marcus, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Jan. 2023 Essentially those factors compound the climate change factors which are also getting worse. — Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for worse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worse
  1. worst
  2. lesser
  3. inferior
  4. normal
Adjective
  • But all of that would’ve been forgiven if Golden State’s offense didn’t cool down at the worst possible time.
    — C.J. Holmes, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Feb. 2023
  • Continue below to see the top 10 best and worst cities for football fans in 2023.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2023
Definition of worst
Adjective
  • Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.
    — Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.
    — Staff Writer Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
Definition of lesser
Adjective
  • After years of looking inferior to its Western brethren, the NBA’s Eastern Conference is enjoying a renaissance, galvanized by a steady influx of talent and the relocation of star players to new teams.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Brandon put up big numbers against inferior opponents, but struggled against Texas and Auburn, and Heupel clearly doesn’t see this as a development year for his team.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of inferior
Adjective
  • After The Dick Van Dyke Show wrapped, Matthews returned to a normal childhood life and attended UCLA.
    — Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Vertical speeds during normal operations rarely exceed plus or minus 4,000 feet per minute, FlightRadar24 said.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of normal

Browse Nearby Words

worrywarts
worse
worsen
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Cite this Entry

“Worse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worse. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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