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
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Recent Examples of accelerate
This year, though, the losses accelerated.
—
Cory Turner, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Inflammation can accelerate the aging process.
—Helen Dennis, Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Alibaba shares have accelerated their gains this month as the Chinese e-commerce giant has released a succession of new artificial intelligence models.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
In addition, flooding continues to linger for parts of Wisconsin and Michigan from days of rain and, in some areas, on top of a deep snowpack that’s accelerated snowmelt.
—Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accelerate
Cory Turner, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Inflammation can accelerate the aging process.
—Helen Dennis, Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Alibaba shares have accelerated their gains this month as the Chinese e-commerce giant has released a succession of new artificial intelligence models.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
In addition, flooding continues to linger for parts of Wisconsin and Michigan from days of rain and, in some areas, on top of a deep snowpack that’s accelerated snowmelt.
—Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accelerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accelerate
Verb
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The list of measures in the statement touches on ties that China had suspended in recent years as tensions increased.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
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Crews also removed a wooden timber debris screen in front of one of the dam's gates to help increase water flow through it.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jamie Marshall, who worked as an assistant director on a number of Fuqua’s films, was struck by his ability to insure that actors never feel rushed, even when the producers start to sweat.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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While many couples have whirlwind romances, others have delayed their nuptials for a number of reasons, from not wanting to rush things to the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Sophie Dodd,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Somebody who is just living greatness and never rests on that laurel but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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The debate is playing out in Wyoming, a state where many data centers have popped up, including new plans for Microsoft to purchase 3,200 acres of land to expand its data center footprint.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Other important ceremonial garments are also on display, including the Queen’s wedding dress, from 1947, another Hartnell creation that incorporated not just the white rose of the House of York but also featured orange blossoms, a symbol of fertility.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
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Areas near the river from just east of O’Hare International Airport north to the Wisconsin border were under a flood warning due to the river’s rising levels, according to the National Weather Service.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sandbags have been replaced in key areas, and crews are now pushing to get the hydroelectric powerhouse back online to help redirect water and relieve pressure on the dam.—
Terrance Friday,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
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In Asia, the Iran war is pushing South Korea to increase nuclear power generation, while Taiwan is debating restarting mothballed reactors.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Supporters’ contributions help change students’ lives by relieving financial burdens, augmenting the resources that support student learning inside and outside the classroom, the release said.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
-
This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Monthly trading volume on Kalshi and Polymarket, the two largest prediction markets, swelled from about $2 billion in early 2025 to $23 billion as of March.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
14 Apr. 2026
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It also is used for bruising, joint pain, sprains, swelling and healing wounds.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But in a violent twist of fate, going into the war hastened the end of the currency’s reverse system anyway.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
13 Apr. 2026
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Experts say noise pollution can interfere with animal breeding cycles and rearing and is even hastening the extinction of some species.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accelerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accelerate. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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