as in to worsen
to make more severe
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 exacerbate
Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, especially in southeastern Europe, making the region more vulnerable to health effects and wildfires.
—
Samuel Petrequin,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Traditionally, older zinnia varieties were susceptible to powdery mildew, an issue exacerbated by increasing heat levels across various regions.
—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 June 2026
For starters, economist Kathryn Anne Edwards sees polarization among parents as being exacerbated by a lack of choice.
—
Emily Kelleher,
InStyle,
22 June 2026
Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, especially in southeastern Europe, making the region more vulnerable to health impacts and wildfires.
—
ABC News,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Samuel Petrequin,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Traditionally, older zinnia varieties were susceptible to powdery mildew, an issue exacerbated by increasing heat levels across various regions.
—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 June 2026
For starters, economist Kathryn Anne Edwards sees polarization among parents as being exacerbated by a lack of choice.
—
Emily Kelleher,
InStyle,
22 June 2026
Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, especially in southeastern Europe, making the region more vulnerable to health impacts and wildfires.
—
ABC News,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
Verb
-
On top of the usual risks that come with surgery, a botched revision can mean permanent scarring, loss of nasal support, worsened breathing, or a result that's structurally too compromised to correct again.
-
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that worsens over time and occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, according to Mayo Clinic.
Verb
-
Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest, deepening the sense of crisis within the Labour Party.
-
In the years following 2020, cities nationwide experienced alarming increases in homicides, shootings and other crime as the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, destabilized local economies and deepened distrust in public institutions.
Verb
-
Their drama is already stale, and between Nathan’s touchiness and Joe’s mistreatment of women, their fight over who is a better guy, a better seaman, a better worker, a better boyfriend is disengaging at best and aggravating at worst.
-
Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
Verb
-
Hundreds of records have been broken, with many more set to fall as the heat intensifies Wednesday and Thursday.
-
Health concerns intensify over smoke Residents have been voicing their concerns about the potential long-term environmental and health impacts caused by the large blaze.
Verb
-
The action, set on France’s rugged northern coast, is anchored by teen romance, involves far-right anti-migrant activists, and is complicated by blue goo from space that creates clones—including of the two loopy police officers who investigate.
-
Carter further complicates things in last week’s episode, when he drunkly tears an animal mount off the wall during Oreana’s grandmother’s big party at the 10-Petal Ranch.
Cite this Entry
“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
