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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Recent Examples of escalate
As China’s first nuclear test in 1964 prompted India to test a weapon in 1974, which in turn drove Pakistan to accelerate its nuclear program and test a weapon in 1998, in the long run, Israel’s escalating military campaign may constitute Iran’s final incentive to cross the nuclear threshold.
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Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
The Sanford Police Department said Tyler is accused of killing Lauren Martin, 34, after an argument escalated to a physical altercation at Greystone Townhomes on Tuesday night.
—Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 7 Nov. 2024
Tensions escalated after Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Oct. 26, in retaliation for Iranian missile launches.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Orange has faced an escalating structural budget deficit for more than a decade, city officials have said.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for escalate 
Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
The Sanford Police Department said Tyler is accused of killing Lauren Martin, 34, after an argument escalated to a physical altercation at Greystone Townhomes on Tuesday night.
—Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 7 Nov. 2024
Tensions escalated after Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Oct. 26, in retaliation for Iranian missile launches.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Orange has faced an escalating structural budget deficit for more than a decade, city officials have said.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalate
Verb
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Even with all the steps your government and Police Department are taking to increase safety and improve driving conditions, the most influential safety factor remains you, the individual behind the wheel.Glen Koen, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
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By 2011, the service had recognized more than one billion songs, and by the following year, that number had increased to five billion, with the 15 billion milestone following in 2014.Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2024
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All of it in the service of greater appreciation that might lead to better stewardship of a planet in peril as climate change accelerates and biodiversity declines.Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
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Clear, actionable NDCs not only accelerate the energy transition but also attract the private sector funding required to meet the $1.3 trillion target.María Mendiluce, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The Orediggers entered Saturday ranked 10th in the region and need to rise into the top seven in order to reach the postseason.Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
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Shares of the company rose more than 6% Friday morning before the market opened.Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Her re-election sets Phoenix up to continue growing the burgeoning technology and health care industries, building sustainable infrastructure to combat climate change and expanding public transportation options.Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
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Under President Biden, CISA’s scope expanded significantly to include responsibilities such as monitoring misinformation and addressing election interference.Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Wait until forsythia shrubs are flowering and buds swell on rose canes before pruning in late winter or early spring.Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
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Excitement for the Christmas ball swelled as the final day progressed.Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Historically, alliances have been forged by individual leaders and have served to augment a nation’s strength in case of war.Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
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Lores says repeatedly finding moments to learn and augment his overall skill set was a significant trigger shot to his career.Natalie McCormick, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Bombardments have intensified in recent months, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position as the war grinds into its third winter.Svitlana Vlasova, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024
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During sports competitions that involve intense physical activity, such as soccer, players can experience significant thermoregulatory strain, which may be further intensified by the thermal environment, Lindner-Cendrowska said.Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Funding of clean energy, notably from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is boosting development of clean energy in all its forms and creating good jobs for the U.S. labor force.Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 20 Nov. 2024
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Whether for sensitive tasks or everyday use, reputable VPN services will boost both your security and speed.Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near escalate
Cite this Entry
“Escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalate. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
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