1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
as the war between the two countries escalated, it threatened to become a global conflict
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to accelerate
to make greater in size, amount, or number
the president promised to escalate the government's program to combat the dreaded disease
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of escalate
Sunday, following a scuffle that escalated into gunfire, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
—
Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
So if our household optimizer, dedicated to energy efficiency and comfort, can infer occupancy from passive motion-detection or door sensors, the system must not escalate to video (for example, grabbing a security-camera snapshot).
—Keivan Navaie, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2025
If the circumstances escalate and an individual assaults or interferes with a legal law enforcement action, Adams has instructed the NYPD to intervene, a source familiar with the situation told ABC News.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Bessent is set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Malaysia, as trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have recently escalated.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
So if our household optimizer, dedicated to energy efficiency and comfort, can infer occupancy from passive motion-detection or door sensors, the system must not escalate to video (for example, grabbing a security-camera snapshot).
—Keivan Navaie, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2025
If the circumstances escalate and an individual assaults or interferes with a legal law enforcement action, Adams has instructed the NYPD to intervene, a source familiar with the situation told ABC News.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Bessent is set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Malaysia, as trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have recently escalated.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalate
Verb
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Investors cheered the improbable rise of the amateur heavy metal drummer and hard-line conservative, who’s expected to increase defense spending, cut taxes, and revive Japan’s nuclear power industry.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
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The salt in your food can increase fluid retention in your kidneys, potentially leading to elevated blood pressure,’’ said Pianko.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The partnership aims to accelerate the path to commercial fusion energy by using AI to simulate and improve control of the superhot plasma that will fuel the machine.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
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Still, many within the nuclear energy industry are hopeful that utilizing federal and public lands would accelerate the buildout of new reactors by reducing delays often encountered throughout the state and federal permitting process.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Today, Long Island remains a blend of suburban life, coastal culture, and historic estates while also facing challenges of rising seas and housing affordability.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Oct. 2025
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Their risk of major depression rose by about 16%, while there was no significant association among men.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When a snowstorm blows up suddenly and socks in the entire area, Lester and Mike begin a search that soon expands with the aid of local neighbors and law enforcement.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
22 Oct. 2025
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The Functional Fabric Fair has also expanded its speaker programming to provide forward-thinking insights and solutions to current challenges.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lina Thomas, commodities strategist with Goldman Sachs Research, said in a video posted on Thursday the swelling price of gold is more than hype.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
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When torrential rains hit a swath of Mexico last week, the Cazones River swelled so fast there was virtually no time to flee.—
Cristopher Rogel Blanquet,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The dress included thin halter straps and a plunging, sweetheart neckline, with sheer fabric at the waist and skirt augmented by floral embroidery.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
16 Oct. 2025
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Avery’s model augments the traditional VC model.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Shared resources, intimate interactions, and unspoken bonds intensify.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
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Revelations and reports on both sides of the state line, including an Overland Park real estate deal tied to the Royals, have only intensified speculation about either team’s intentions.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Boys soccer In a Catholic Central contest, Sam Shaghalian scored twice to boost Bishop Feehan to a 3-1 win over Cardinal Spellman.—
Kristina Banahan,
Boston Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
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And author and political commentator Steve Phillips announced his independent committee to boost Tubbs in next year’s statewide elections has so far raised $2 million of a $4 million goal by the end of the year.—
Kate Wolffe
October 17,
Sacbee.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalate. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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