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
If the airline stalls, consider escalating to executives.
—
Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Kennedy hosts and manages the agency’s missions, along with an escalating flow of commercial space traffic from companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.
—Katelyn Ferral, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
After the agent called for a supervisor to handle Solomon’s escalating behavior, Solomon allegedly punched the agent in the back of the neck, officials said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
The escalating conflict in the Middle East has set off an energy frenzy across the continent, forcing governments to ration fuel and scramble for alternative supplies.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
Tehran has effectively closed the key choke point for the world’s oil amid sustained aerial attacks by the United States and Israel, which have sparked escalating Iranian retaliation across the region.
—Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2026
Those who live near their birthplaces can visit the local vital statistics office, but staffing shortages and escalating demand for REAL IDs have caused significant backlogs in some states.
—Julie Carr Smyth, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Those who live near their birthplaces can visit the local vital statistics office, but staffing shortages and escalating demand for Real IDs have caused significant backlogs in some states.
—Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
This is but the first in a series of escalating misfortunes.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Kennedy hosts and manages the agency’s missions, along with an escalating flow of commercial space traffic from companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.
—Katelyn Ferral, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
After the agent called for a supervisor to handle Solomon’s escalating behavior, Solomon allegedly punched the agent in the back of the neck, officials said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
The escalating conflict in the Middle East has set off an energy frenzy across the continent, forcing governments to ration fuel and scramble for alternative supplies.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
Tehran has effectively closed the key choke point for the world’s oil amid sustained aerial attacks by the United States and Israel, which have sparked escalating Iranian retaliation across the region.
—Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2026
Those who live near their birthplaces can visit the local vital statistics office, but staffing shortages and escalating demand for REAL IDs have caused significant backlogs in some states.
—Julie Carr Smyth, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Those who live near their birthplaces can visit the local vital statistics office, but staffing shortages and escalating demand for Real IDs have caused significant backlogs in some states.
—Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
This is but the first in a series of escalating misfortunes.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalating
Verb
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The Sacramento Police Department also said officers were monitoring developments and increasing patrols around places of worship.—
Daniel Hunt
March 12,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
-
But airlines, which are footing much of the bill for the construction, pushed for Global Terminal construction to get moved up in line, hoping to ensure the centerpiece wouldn’t be threatened by increasing costs.—
Talia Soglin,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The platform’s modular architecture allows for rapid iteration and integration into broader counter-drone defense networks, potentially accelerating deployment compared with traditional defense development cycles.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
-
That steep pressure gradient works like the atmosphere stepping on the gas pedal, accelerating winds across the region.—
Vytas Reid,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Experts say travelers planning summer trips may be able to limit the impact of rising airfares by booking earlier rather than waiting for last-minute deals.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Footage in the aftermath of the strike shows flames and smoke rising from the top of the building, though no injuries were reported.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kaplan has long focused on public safety, expanding amenities and making streets safer.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The interesting twist on Miami’s case is their test balloon is being floated as the powers-that-be debate expanding the NCAA Tournament field.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Dreaming about winning that swelling $533 million Mega Millions prize?—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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But most senior travelers have a higher risk of swelling and suffering from deep vein thrombosis while flying.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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On the artificial intelligence front, Oracle reported an earnings beat and issued strong guidance, boosting its stock as much as 10% higher in extended trading.—
Nur Hikmah Md Ali,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The company is focusing on fueling innovation, boosting consumer engagement and powering the traditional watch business – in addition to improving the cost structure, among other efforts.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Finally, consider augmenting the winter landscape, when roses and many of their companions lie dormant.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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As the technology evolves, so does its use, with global technology companies like PICO exploring the possibility of using XR in a more practical, real-world way—one that extends to professional collaboration, daily productivity, workplace training, and generally augmenting one’s workspace.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalating. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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