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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

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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 On Wednesday, his attorney, Jacob Kaplan, said that the treatment for his cancer exacerbates his heart condition and will continue to lead to hospitalizations. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 These disruptions are all exacerbated by – and likely contributing to – increasingly volatile geopolitics and social fragmentation. — Johannes Teyssen, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 Tensions over these issues, exacerbated by Pretoria’s criticism of Israel over its conduct in Gaza, have become a major sticking point. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026 His refusal to not spotlight the spotty attendance exacerbated already-brewing tensions between him and the new management. — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 21, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
  1. worsen
  2. deepen
  3. aggravate
  4. intensify
  5. complicate
Verb
  • These holes are notorious for getting plugged with debris, worsening water accumulation.
    — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Many identified themselves as teachers, noting that pandemic-era disruptions to in-class learning severely worsened reading deficits.
    — Chris Fusco, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • Settler attacks damaged or seized about 160 Palestinian water and sanitation structures this year, deepening shortages that are forcing farmers to abandon fields and threatening local livelihoods.
    — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Finally, deepen expertise in areas such as governance, privacy, cybersecurity, risk or compliance.
    — Punit Bhatia, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • Rushing received platelet-rich plasma injection after aggravating the flexor injury a second time while working through a throwing program at the beginning of the month.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Alyssa Louise Anderson, the driver of the vehicle, has been arrested and booked into the Canyon County Jail on charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI, and leaving the scene of an injury accident, according to online court records.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggravate
Verb
  • Global diplomacy takes center stage in New York this week, highlighted by talks between the US and Chinese leaders, even as global conflict looks set to intensify.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The victory improved Texas to 3-0, but this season's challenge will intensify next week when the Longhorns open Southeastern Conference play.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • The strikes marked a sharp escalation in fighting between the two South Asian countries and risked further complicating international efforts to ease tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
    — MUNIR AHMED, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • This has been complicated further by the Iran war energy shock which is a harsh wake-up call for Southeast Asia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of complicate

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Cite this Entry

“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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