ACCELERATE Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

accelerate

verb

ik-ˈse-lə-ˌrāt

Definition of accelerate

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

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

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

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 accelerate Margin expansion is stable, but likely can’t [accelerate without] risking further growth. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 17 July 2026 To achieve this, the competing companies are developing the new laser weapon in distinct, accelerated phases. — David Szondy july 16, New Atlas, 17 July 2026 Regulators have signaled this for years, and AI is accelerating it. — Chris Brown, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 The move accelerated in recent days following Youri Tielemans’ departure to Manchester United. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accelerate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for accelerate

Verb

In recent months, drone sightings in Nikopol have increased from two or three per day to about three every hour, day and night, Varytsev says.

— Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Homelessness after incarceration increases the chances that someone will end up back behind bars, at a steep cost to taxpayers.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

The Office of the State Auditor maintained that its interest in a Midland site was based on expanding geographic access to early voting, not dictating the county’s final plan.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Although revenues have expanded substantially, income needs to continue growing rapidly for Newcastle to sustain a higher salary base and regularly sign the best players.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

Officials said the warning systems built since last year’s catastrophic floods were activated in Kerr County in the early hours before water levels began to rise, allowing for people to react quickly to flooding threats.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
On linear television, the series is up +62% among adults 18-49, +26% among adults 25-54 and +30% in total viewers, with P2+ viewing across VOD platforms rising +44% within seven days of airing.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

Handing the survivor her jewelry and hearing her story a few days later gave Dondi and her team of volunteers a reassuring nudge to push forward with their work.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Normally, the onshore flow — a west-to-southwest wind that creates the ocean breeze and pushes air away from the coasts — would push the particulate matter with it.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of push

Verb

As the market continues to swell, and the clinical category starts to get a little crowded, Neutrogena knows the race to be the first to new ingredients is essential in maintaining its heritage as a leading brand.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
His eyes had bags under them, and his face was swollen from training for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

— Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026

Definition of swell

Browse Nearby Words

acceding (to)

accelerate

accelerated

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Accelerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accelerate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of accelerate

verb

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