escalated 1 of 2

as in increased
being at a higher level than average for a time there was an escalated interest in the historical figure following the release of the blockbuster biography

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

escalated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of escalate
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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 escalated
Verb
Opposition to the mammoth tech hubs and their massive thirst of water, power and land has only escalated throughout the state and nation ever since. Katie King, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 However, the situation escalated, and officers from multiple zones had to be called in to help clear the area. Patrick Damp, CBS News, 20 June 2026 As businesses closed over the course of the protests, supermarket shelves emptied and hospitals ran out of oxygen, calls from some sectors of society escalated for Paz to restore order through force. ABC News, 20 June 2026 Tensions between the two countries escalated just days after Tehran and Washington reached an interim agreement to end hostilities in the region. Yun Li, CNBC, 20 June 2026 The argument escalated into gunfire and the victim was struck, according to police. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026 In recent weeks, Iran has dramatically escalated efforts to seal off its cache of near bomb-grade uranium, deliberately collapsing tunnels and booby-trapping entrances with explosive mines, according to five sources familiar with US intelligence. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Chronic depression escalated into near-constant fantasies of suicide. Brad Ryan, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 Prosecutors countered that Anthony escalated a verbal dispute into a deadly encounter. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalated
Adjective
  • In addition to Ebola, the New World Screwworm is making an increased appearance as well.
    Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
  • During those few seconds, monitors also observed increased levels of bromine and chlorine, which are typically found at trace levels during structural fires, the agency said.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Shady Alassar | Anadolu | Getty Images Oil rose slightly early Tuesday, fluctuating as investors show cautious optimism about an end to the conflict in the Middle East.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 23 June 2026
  • Humphreys’ coach at the 2024 world championship in Belgium told him his pulse rate rose to 207.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • On a sunny day in late May, a brand-new Mazda CX-5 was accelerated to about 40 mph and driven toward a stationary object with the express purpose of testing whether the vehicle would hit it.
    Keith Laing, USA Today, 16 June 2026
  • China’s economic imbalance worsened in May as retail sales fell at the fastest pace in years, while industrial output accelerated, new data showed.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The kitchen, with room for a table that can handle informal dining, is open to the family room, where the visual focal points are the stone fireplace and French doors that lead to an elevated deck overlooking the in-ground pool and property at the rear of the home.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
  • Sponsored by Marvin Blending clean modern lines with the warmth of a classic seaside retreat, this stunning North Shore coastal home was designed to feel both elevated and inviting.
    Rachel Holt, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Crowds around the Garden swelled past 10,000 people Wednesday night.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • The defensive sideline erupted, and Morrison’s chest swelled.
    Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • The cabin was expanded to include sleep spaces and communal dining areas for ski students—thousands of Icelanders would pass through every summer season.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • The legacy of rules dates back to 1972, initially shaped by choreographer Texie Waterman and expanded during Suzanne Mitchell's directorship from 1976 to 1989.
    Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Beren has achived high ratings from customers since moving into a stylish dining room that was formerly a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • When nutrient levels are high, feasting algae can quickly reproduce.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Her fame, fueled by a college rivalry with Caitlin Clark, has significantly boosted the Dream's profile, leading to record sellouts and games in larger arenas.
    Terence Moore, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • At the same time Chicago’s immigration judges have boosted the number of removal orders, the rate of immigrants winning their cases — already slim even during the Biden administration — has dropped even more.
    Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Escalated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalated. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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