1
as in to increase
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 to accelerate
to make greater in size, amount, or number
the president promised to escalate the government's program to combat the dreaded disease
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of escalate
The Knicks' starters have a negative rating throughout the postseason, but everything has escalated during this series with Indiana.
—
Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Despite clearly communicating her dietary restrictions to her mother-in-law, the situation has escalated to a point where family dinners have become filled with tension and conflict.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 25 May 2025
The verbal altercation quickly escalated when the victim exited his vehicle, and the offender, who remained inside his own car, pulled out a firearm and fired several shots at the man.
—Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
This cultural suppression continued for decades, as political unrest escalated and the state’s grip on artistic expression tightened.
—Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Despite clearly communicating her dietary restrictions to her mother-in-law, the situation has escalated to a point where family dinners have become filled with tension and conflict.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 25 May 2025
The verbal altercation quickly escalated when the victim exited his vehicle, and the offender, who remained inside his own car, pulled out a firearm and fired several shots at the man.
—Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
This cultural suppression continued for decades, as political unrest escalated and the state’s grip on artistic expression tightened.
—Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalate
Verb
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Under the federal Pact Act of 2022, which increased eligibility for VA services, 1.5 million more veterans are now eligible for the services in Massachusetts.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
26 May 2025
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In the past 12 months alone, revenue increased 8.1% from $372 billion to $400 billion.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Verb
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With attacks accelerating in pace and intensity, organizations cannot afford slow, laborious reporting structures.—
Travis Runty,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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This only accelerates degradation and forces the team into more (and sometimes earlier, as in Imola) pit stops.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Verb
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Insurance premiums have risen 24% on average in recent years, according to the Consumer Federation of America.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
23 May 2025
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Future policy changes could determine whether America’s retirement age continues to rise.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Its first outpost opened in Jackson Hole in 2017, but the brand just expanded to Sedona, Arizona, to debut its second location.—
Annie Archer,
Travel + Leisure,
27 May 2025
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Now in its fourth year, Bleak Week is expanding across the country — and, via the Prince Charles Cinema, across the pond to London — to hold screenings at 11 venues in eight cities.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Sinusitis, which means inflammation of the sinuses, can result in pain, tenderness or even swelling in or around different parts of your face and head such as your eyes, ears, cheeks, forehead, mouth, teeth, throat and head in general as well.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Untold pieces of protest art also were created in public spaces across the U.S. – from murals honoring Floyd, to calls for justice and support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which swelled in the wake of Floyd's death.—
Deena Zaru,
ABC News,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Sperling initially designs his work in black and white, later adding color to augment his vision.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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That motor augments the rider's pedaling power up to a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), automatically triggered by a torque sensor on the bike's crankset.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during recent global disruptions have highlighted the fragility of our food systems and have intensified competition while simultaneously opening new markets.—
Persa Sakellaridi,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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In New York City, activists have intensified their efforts to protest the rising number of migrant deportations, staging multiple demonstrations in opposition of the administration’s controversial moves against immigrants.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
Verb
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As wildfires become more frequent and damaging in Southern California and beyond, Whaling’s invention is getting the attention of officials eager to boost preparedness.—
Dorany Pineda,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2025
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Meant to boost exports across dozens of sectors, many fell short of their targets.—
Michael Sheldrick,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalate. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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