1
as in to increase
to become greater in size, extent, volume, amount, or number
toy purchases accelerate dramatically during the Christmas season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to rush
to cause to move or proceed fast or faster
we accelerated preparations for the hurricane upon hearing weather reports that it had gained speed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to expand
to make greater in size, amount, or number
the company accelerated its advertising purchases even as the economy appeared to be in recession
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 accelerate
According to research cited by Pullen Ross, athletes lost nearly $974 million to fraud over a 10-year period ending in 2024, and the pace is accelerating.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 May 2026
The Lakers downshifted, and the Thunder accelerated.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
In addition to Becerra, both Steyer and Porter voiced support for pursuing new legislation to create billions of dollars in bond funding, framing it as a way to accelerate housing construction and incentivize local governments to move projects forward.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Not until late Friday did CDC actions accelerate.
—Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for accelerate
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 May 2026
The Lakers downshifted, and the Thunder accelerated.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
In addition to Becerra, both Steyer and Porter voiced support for pursuing new legislation to create billions of dollars in bond funding, framing it as a way to accelerate housing construction and incentivize local governments to move projects forward.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Not until late Friday did CDC actions accelerate.
—Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for accelerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accelerate
Verb
-
But ultimately, Ayton needs to increase his scoring at the rim, Redick said.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
His most fulfilling moment was when the fourth calf was born in the wild last year, an indication that the bongos are thriving in their native habitat and that their population will certainly increase.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Broderick was rushed from the California Institution for Women, the prison where she was being held, to a medical facility on April 18.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
Doctors performed four rounds of CPR, then rushed to figure out what was causing the mother to go into cardiac arrest.—
Wendy Grossman Kantor,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
There are numerous suites in the mix that expand upon the space, and anyone booking an executive category room enjoys access to the 25th-floor club lounge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Together, the movements reflected an apparent effort to insulate some of Iran's remaining military and aviation assets from the expanding conflict, even as officials publicly served as brokers for de-escalation.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
As tensions rise between the United States and China over trade, technology, Taiwan and military influence, the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is increasingly shaping global politics and national security debates.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
15 May 2026
-
The national debt has surpassed the GDP, Social Security and Medicare face looming financial crises, inflation is rising, families are struggling — and yet Congress does nothing.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
Williams happened to be passing by as the young dancer was pushing her car down the highway with a friend, and Williams along with his manager stopped to help and was quickly charmed.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Russia soon augmented its capabilities by acquiring Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 loitering munitions from Iran.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
-
Semafor’s journalists helped fill in the gaps by augmenting the readout with reporting that wasn’t captured in the transcript.—
Gina Chua,
semafor.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
As the teen continued to deteriorate, his right arm began to swell two or three times more than his left, and his wound began leaking fluid.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
-
During the expedition’s first ten days, the ship navigated a strong storm, with ocean swells reaching two to three metres.—
Akash Kapur,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
In a high valley, a troop of men hastened in his direction, carrying axes and long knives.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
Seeds produce ethylene that hastens maturation and deterioration of the surrounding tissue.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accelerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accelerate. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
