as in to worsen
to make more severe
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exacerbate
The footprints are exacerbated by a phenomenon known as the Io Plasma Torus.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Rising concerns about technology and test scores Most states have rules that restrict cellphones in schools, based on concerns that phones and social media are disrupting education and exacerbating children’s mental health issues.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026
Trying to keep it in situ is your first port of call, making sure to wear a broad spectrum, high factor SPF every day–UV exposure accelerates collagen loss and can also exacerbate uneven texture more generally.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
One goal in 24 league appearances last season, exacerbated by a returning predictability in his play, cutting on to his stronger left foot before being tackled, was alarming.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Rising concerns about technology and test scores Most states have rules that restrict cellphones in schools, based on concerns that phones and social media are disrupting education and exacerbating children’s mental health issues.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026
Trying to keep it in situ is your first port of call, making sure to wear a broad spectrum, high factor SPF every day–UV exposure accelerates collagen loss and can also exacerbate uneven texture more generally.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
One goal in 24 league appearances last season, exacerbated by a returning predictability in his play, cutting on to his stronger left foot before being tackled, was alarming.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
Verb
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Tim Pennington called again that evening, Bell said, to ask for prayers as his son's condition was worsening, and then later told him the soldier had succumbed to his injuries.—
ALLEN G. BREED,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
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Behind the scenes, DHS officials worry that the longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the risk that more TSA employees will leave, worsening staffing shortages beyond the immediate crisis.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Less than a mile away, the corps is planning to deepen and widen the shipping channel leading into Port Everglades, blasting through the reef line and dredging up sediment that could smother acres of surrounding coral, according to federal scientists.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
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However, consumer advocates argued the agreement held the line on even higher increases and halted further policy cancellations that have deepened a crisis in the state’s insurance industry.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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It is recommended to stay indoors when possible, especially for those with medical or respiratory conditions that are aggravated by smoke.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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With Mbappe having experienced knee pain since December, sources added that there are fears of aggravating the problem if the 27-year-old returns too early.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Iran war intensified as Washington and Tehran focused their attention on the Strait of Hormuz and showed little sign of easing their aerial campaigns.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
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Benoit Tessier | Reuters LONDON — European stocks are expected to open lower on Wednesday, as traders monitor intensifying operations in the Middle East.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Maybe the dress on her seems so effortless that people want to invent a way to complicate it.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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But a few factors complicate his path to the majors, perhaps most notably being obstructed by Bryce Harper at first base.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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