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
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 escalating
Iran's role in supporting militant groups has fueled concerns of a wider conflict, with Washington directly linking Tehran to escalating instability.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
To meet such escalating power needs, one theoretical solution involves surrounding a star with an array of solar-collecting satellites—a concept known as a Dyson swarm.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2025
Tehran's next move and Washington's response will determine the trajectory of the escalating crisis.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Experts have expressed concerns that an escalating feud between the president and the judiciary could lead to a dangerous constitutional crisis.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Small business owners say they’re paralyzed with indecision because of the escalating trade war – both real and threatened – as tariff spats spill into every aspect of their productions and sales.
—Natasha Chen, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Lawrence McKay and his crew showed an escalating pattern of violence in robbing six cellphone stores in and around Philadelphia, according to federal court filings.
—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
What may not be so apparent is how the protein industry would be hit particularly hard by the escalating tariff wars.
—Tim Clark, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
The think tank found that Russia's military faces significant challenges, including escalating funding costs, labor shortages, collapsing arms exports and sanctions.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
To meet such escalating power needs, one theoretical solution involves surrounding a star with an array of solar-collecting satellites—a concept known as a Dyson swarm.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2025
Tehran's next move and Washington's response will determine the trajectory of the escalating crisis.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Experts have expressed concerns that an escalating feud between the president and the judiciary could lead to a dangerous constitutional crisis.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Small business owners say they’re paralyzed with indecision because of the escalating trade war – both real and threatened – as tariff spats spill into every aspect of their productions and sales.
—Natasha Chen, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Lawrence McKay and his crew showed an escalating pattern of violence in robbing six cellphone stores in and around Philadelphia, according to federal court filings.
—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
What may not be so apparent is how the protein industry would be hit particularly hard by the escalating tariff wars.
—Tim Clark, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
The think tank found that Russia's military faces significant challenges, including escalating funding costs, labor shortages, collapsing arms exports and sanctions.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalating
Verb
-
The team, however, is not increasing season-ticket prices in the upper level, per the spokesperson.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Those in his position often pride themselves on insulation, increasing efficiency or an Ivy League education, a few foundations around which the Houston Astros have constructed their golden era.—
Chandler Rome,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
With re-accelerating inflation on the horizon, another 5%+ inflation over the next four years could easily see gold at $5,000 an ounce.—
Clem Chambers,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
These changes disrupt the body's delicate anabolic-catabolic balance, with testosterone promoting tissue growth and libido and cortisol accelerating breakdown and stress responses.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
With prices still rising after the Covid-19 pandemic caused inflation to spike, shoppers at high and low income level are flocking to stores providing the best prices on commodities.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
The Consumer Pulse report showed that 51 percent of shoppers are anxious about the rising cost of living driven by higher energy and housing costs in the winter months.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
WWD,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Jackson is also considering expanding her part-time interior decorating business.—
Barbara Bry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, Apple pledged to fund a Houston data center for computer servers powering artificial intelligence — a technology the company is expanding into as part of an industrywide craze.—
Michael Liedtke,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
That said, the club didn’t pack it in, added high risk/high reward guys like Scherzer and Santander late in the winter, and likely upgraded their closer from Romano to Hoffman while augmenting their already solid defense with the (pricey) acquisition of Gimenez.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Can this power be guided with care, augmenting the light alongside economic destitution?—
John Werner,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalating. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share