ESCALATES Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

escalates

verb

present tense third-person singular of escalate

as in increases

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accelerates

to make greater in size, amount, or number the president promised to escalate the government's program to combat the dreaded disease

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 escalates Rhaena is sent to Pentos with Rhaenyra’s sons, Joffrey, Viserys II and Aegon III to stay safe as the war escalates, but not without being given four dragon eggs by Rhaenyra. —

Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Taipei’s drills will simulate a scenario where China abruptly escalates one of its military exercises into an actual attack. —

Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 21 June 2026 This escalates into a dragon chase and Aemond’s giant, ancient beast is overcome with bloodlust, killing Luke and his dragon much to the dismay of Aemond One-Eye. —

Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 Set on a Japanese island during wartime, the story follows two girls from an all-girls school who are ordered to nurse the wounded in a military hospital concealed in a cave as violence escalates around them. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 June 2026 The measures include a range of travel bans and asset freezes aimed at disrupting flows of finance to extremist settler groups as violence escalates in the West Bank. —

Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026 If the situation escalates or poses an immediate threat, the driver should call 911. —

Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 June 2026 Find out how to get rid of your debt before the problem escalates. —

Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 June 2026 But when rivalry between sororities escalates and a body is found, ambition, loyalty, and sisterhood collide with deadly consequences. —

Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalates

Verb

Researchers think that making art also increases neuroplasticity (the ability to form new connections).

— Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 17 June 2026
That increases the risk that individuals’ personal data could be exposed, misused or commercialized without their consent.

— Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 17 June 2026