exacerbate

verb

ig-ˈza-sər-ˌbāt How to pronounce exacerbate (audio)
Definition of exacerbatenext
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 While acknowledging technology isn't a complete solution, FNN significantly improves early response to a growing wildfire crisis exacerbated by climate change. — Elizabeth MacBride, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 During his 12 years of rule, social and religious divisions have been exacerbated, and the government has become adept at controlling access to the internet and social media. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026 Tensions were also exacerbated by frequent, and often violent, skirmishes between Chinese and Indian troops along the border. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026 Like many rural counties, Maui struggles with a severe physician and nursing shortage, a problem that the fires also exacerbated. — Angus Chen, STAT, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
  1. worsen
  2. deepen
  3. aggravate
  4. intensify
  5. complicate
Verb
  • According to court documents, Wilson’s relationship with the producers had started deteriorating before filming began in 2023 – and worsened during post-production.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Weakening commodity prices and a worsening industrial relations climate in Australia is draining investor enthusiasm for the world’s biggest mining company, BHP.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • Cartels, smaller mafias and street gangs hold sway in town halls and state governments around the country and have deepened their role in the economy.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The cocktail is fresh juicy summer strawberries, paired with vodka, gin, lemon, coriander, and two liqueurs, Licor 43, for a deepening vanilla element, and Aperol, for rhubarb and orange and a touch of texture.
    — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 25 July 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • The position can aggravate lower-back conditions including spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and spinal instability.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • This bullpen session was a chance for Ohtani to test his knee, which before the injection seemed to be aggravated by pitching.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of aggravate
Verb
  • The Book of Five Rings has only grown in relevance as demands on executives have intensified.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The Sun in your 7th House of Relationships opposes Pluto in your sign, intensifying the push-pull between your needs and someone else’s expectations.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • Patrick DeHaan, analyst at GasBuddy, agreed, telling NBC News that the upcoming hurricane season could further complicate gas prices.
    — Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026
  • Further complicating Jean’s situation, the jogger was recently laid off from her marketing job, and to save money had been forgoing her health insurance.
    — Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Definition of complicate

Browse Nearby Words

ex
exacerbate
exacerbated
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on exacerbate

Nglish: Translation of exacerbate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of comely

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All