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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Trump’s willingness to dramatically escalate the long-running US economic warfare in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine is real, advisors say.
—
Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
As things between Micah Parsons and the organization continue to escalate, one analyst did not hold back on his thoughts on Jerry Jones' approach.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
PsA, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects both the skin and joints, often begins subtly but can escalate into significant discomfort and joint damage without proper treatment.
—Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 4 Aug. 2025
All Eyes on Sweden Trump dramatically escalated the trade war with the world's second-largest economy in April, rolling out sweeping new tariffs that prompted China to respond with its own export duties and other measures.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
As things between Micah Parsons and the organization continue to escalate, one analyst did not hold back on his thoughts on Jerry Jones' approach.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
PsA, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects both the skin and joints, often begins subtly but can escalate into significant discomfort and joint damage without proper treatment.
—Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 4 Aug. 2025
All Eyes on Sweden Trump dramatically escalated the trade war with the world's second-largest economy in April, rolling out sweeping new tariffs that prompted China to respond with its own export duties and other measures.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalate
Verb
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During the month of its release, the number of articles about KPop Demon Hunters increased nearly four-fold to 1,394.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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That higher load increases energy expenditure, respiration and heart rate, which is good for heart health and can improve endurance.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Toucan’s carbon pool grew 400% in 2024 as institutional ESG demand accelerated.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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One rotation devours another, and still the momentum accelerates.—
Alaa Alqaisi
August 13,
Literary Hub,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Of course, this gives rise to some very important questions: What are the implications for privacy when so many of us are ready to share our deepest thoughts with AI companies?—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Since 1975, COLAs have been applied each year using CPI-W data from the third quarter—July through September—with the intention of keeping benefits in step with rising costs for essentials like housing, food and medical care.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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However, the company opened its first cafe in New York City in 2021 and has since expanded to four locations, two in New York and two in California.—
Reia Li,
AZCentral.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Apple Cinemas has expanded its partnership with Imax by signing a deal for five premium screens with laser projection.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Losses over $100,000 swell 700% Losses among those older adults who lost at least $100,000 have swelled to $445 million in 2024 from $55 million in 2020, according to the FTC.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
8 Aug. 2025
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Wound infections typically come with fever, redness, pain, swelling, discharge and discoloration.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Leaders in this space are also looking to facilitate flight modifications via enhanced aerodynamics and real-time diagnostics—augmented by smart sensors.—
Robert Lane,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Advertisement When a crisis occurs, instead of setting up tent cities with food, education, healthcare, sanitation, and other necessary services, refugees are housed within existing communities, which have their infrastructure and facilities augmented by donor funding.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This stuff is a powerful oxidizer that, while not flammable by itself, will accelerate and intensify combustion of rubber balloons, clothing, hair, skin, eye tissue and other things that burn when used around open flames such as bongs, joints, and cigarettes.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
13 Aug. 2025
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While Iran frames its warnings as a measure to deter future attacks, the U.S. and its allies view Iran's intensifying rhetoric as likely to heighten regional tensions.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For example, platforms like Perplexity now allow users to buy items (e.g., concert tickets, travel) directly within chat using PayPal or Venmo, without having to visit external sites and frictionless payments are simplifying the buying process to boost conversion rates and reduce cart abandonment.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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Sometimes, a major hit will boost revenue during the off-season.—
Sophie Caldwell
Lauren Shamo,
CNBC,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalate. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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