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
Venus in Scorpio escalates emotional feelings around your financial security and safety.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
The actual bracket will be created on December 7 and if this sport has taught us anything this season, things escalate quickly.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
The world’s oceans are facing a series of escalating crises—from the death of coral reefs to overfishing that threatens marine ecosystems.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
But the plan fell through by October due to escalating costs, the city said in a statement at the time.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Usa Today, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
The actual bracket will be created on December 7 and if this sport has taught us anything this season, things escalate quickly.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
The world’s oceans are facing a series of escalating crises—from the death of coral reefs to overfishing that threatens marine ecosystems.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
But the plan fell through by October due to escalating costs, the city said in a statement at the time.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalate
Verb
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The impact of the government shutdown increased as the Senate repeatedly failed to advance legislation to end the funding lapse.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
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Last year, Reuters reported that the government was preparing to increase usage of crypto assets in its oil exports to overcome the US sanctions.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The researchers emphasized that policy support is crucial for accelerating this transition and building a robust recycling system.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
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Business leaders say that such policies risk accelerating an exodus of companies, diminishing the city’s commercial tax base, and ultimately affecting services and jobs essential to millions of New Yorkers.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But Vanderbilt, as attention, pressure and fatigue rise on a pursuit no one outside its camp expected, is essentially two teams with two games left in the 2025 regular season.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In addition to WeRide and Pony AI, Baidu is also expanding its robotaxi offerings through its Apollo Go vehicles.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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That includes a new and robust collaboration with Brazil’s federal government and 22 of its states—including Pará—to expand cooperation on climate action.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As the day wears on, the crowd swells to a formidable throng.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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Per BrightOcular, potential complications include infections, high pressure in the eye, glaucoma, inflammation of the iris, swelling in the cornea, loss of cells around the cornea, deterioration of the iris and more.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Japanese maple trees can also be planted in a container filled with a quality potting mix augmented with compost and sharp sand.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
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Intelligent machines augment intelligent humans, driving a geometric expansion of what humans can do.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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QatarEnergy would still dwarf competitors, producing 77 million metric tons of LNG annually today and boosting output by 85% in 2027.—
Kelsey Warner,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Obama’s enthusiastic showings for both candidates was a test of whether his sway over the Democratic Party still remains after his support for Harris failed to boost her to the White House a year ago and angered black male voters who felt unfairly accused of sexism.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Someone who is unable to work in mainstream punditry because his face no longer fits, but is determined to raise standards among those who do as an outside agitator.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Yet Tapestry—the parent company of Coach—said Gen Z now accounts for roughly 35% of its new customers, helping the brand beat Wall Street expectations and raise its full-year forecast.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalate. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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