1
as in increasing
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
2
as in accelerating
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
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Recent Examples of escalating
The Context Naroditsky's passing at just 29 years of age comes amid a period of escalating scrutiny and controversy surrounding online chess, including high-profile accusations of cheating.
—
Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
These conditions are predicted to, in turn, spark a G1-level geomagnetic storm (with a small chance of escalating to G2), which is strong enough to make auroras visible on the horizon across much of the northern hemisphere.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Reagan empowered Afghanistan’s resistance to the Soviet invasion – escalating Soviet losses and fueling discontent.
—Kathleen Collins, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
County supervisors should first stem their rapidly escalating spending, which has doubled in the past eight years and ranks highest per capita by far of the 10 largest California counties.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
Over the past few months, the president has doubled down on his pledge of mass deportations, with escalating crackdowns in Latino neighborhoods in cities including Chicago.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Needless to say, malevolent spirits combined with a constantly escalating chat make for a very unpleasant evening.
—PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
The escalating, hysterical hijinks are grounded in convincing dramatic stakes, and only our comic heroes are allowed to be funny, as the monster actors dutifully honor the hammy seriousness of their characters.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Arsenic and Old Lace moves at a breathless pace with our leading man's escalating horrific discoveries.
—Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
These conditions are predicted to, in turn, spark a G1-level geomagnetic storm (with a small chance of escalating to G2), which is strong enough to make auroras visible on the horizon across much of the northern hemisphere.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Reagan empowered Afghanistan’s resistance to the Soviet invasion – escalating Soviet losses and fueling discontent.
—Kathleen Collins, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
County supervisors should first stem their rapidly escalating spending, which has doubled in the past eight years and ranks highest per capita by far of the 10 largest California counties.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
Over the past few months, the president has doubled down on his pledge of mass deportations, with escalating crackdowns in Latino neighborhoods in cities including Chicago.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Needless to say, malevolent spirits combined with a constantly escalating chat make for a very unpleasant evening.
—PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
The escalating, hysterical hijinks are grounded in convincing dramatic stakes, and only our comic heroes are allowed to be funny, as the monster actors dutifully honor the hammy seriousness of their characters.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Arsenic and Old Lace moves at a breathless pace with our leading man's escalating horrific discoveries.
—Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalating
Verb
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The organization’s Green Heart Project, which studies the impact of better air quality on heart disease through urban greening, has found that increasing the number of trees and shrubs in an area can create lower levels of a blood marker associated with inflammation.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
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Coffee prices have been increasing sharply since the start of this year.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Policymakers should focus on accelerating implementation of Africa’s free trade area to make the continent more resilient to global shocks, the secretary general of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat said.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
22 Oct. 2025
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With rising prices suppressing demand, Cohen said many businesses will choose to slash orders in the upcoming holiday season, triggering layoffs and accelerating economic slowdown.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even before her election, tensions were rising between the two neighbors.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
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But as time went on, the family faced the challenges of everyday expenses and the rising cost of raising multiple children.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In 2025, Ohtani is likely to earn another MVP award, adding to his ever-expanding trophy cabinet.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Environmental advocates question the need for expanding fossil fuel resources a time when greenhouse gases from those fuels are worsening climate change.—
Sarah Henry,
AZCentral.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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She was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery, during which doctors removed part of her skull to relieve swelling.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
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Daedone persuaded the swelling ranks of OM enthusiasts, givers and receivers alike, to join an experiment in communal living, gradually parting them from their wealth and autonomy.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For example, cloves are known for their abundance and mood-boosting properties; rosemary is known for clearing and purification; cinnamon is known for prosperity and protection; apples are known for healing; and pumpkin is known for protection and stability.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
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Ahead of the Venice festival, Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Alfonso Cuaron and Jonathan Glazer boarded The Voice of Hind Rajab as executive producers, boosting the film’s profile and debut.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The British royal family member accessorized her look with gold earrings by English designer Daniella Draper — donning a pair of mini hoops with shamrock charms in gold, further augmenting the fall shades of her ensemble.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
14 Oct. 2025
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The offense and entire team were built around augmenting his greatness.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalating. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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