as in to worsen
to make more severe
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem
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Recent Examples of exacerbate
The news exacerbated a sell-off in AI names Tuesday as investor concerns about sky-high valuations deepened.
—
Yun Li, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
If Beijing now doubles down on subsidizing both cutting-edge and traditional industries, the result could be an even greater glut of Chinese products globally, exacerbating trade frictions.
—Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Currently, America has a market economy that is controlled by private individuals and corporations, which critics say has exacerbated wealth inequality by giving disproportionate power to business owners.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
The federal shutdown has exacerbated longstanding staffing shortages within air traffic control, causing many critical personnel to work extended shifts without pay.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Yun Li, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
If Beijing now doubles down on subsidizing both cutting-edge and traditional industries, the result could be an even greater glut of Chinese products globally, exacerbating trade frictions.
—Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Currently, America has a market economy that is controlled by private individuals and corporations, which critics say has exacerbated wealth inequality by giving disproportionate power to business owners.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
The federal shutdown has exacerbated longstanding staffing shortages within air traffic control, causing many critical personnel to work extended shifts without pay.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
Verb
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Their fate worsened when star striker Barbra Banda, who was crowned NWSL Championship MVP last year, was injured during a mid-August match, ending her season.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
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Esperance, the human-rights advocate who once opposed a foreign intervention and has since changed his mind as the gang violence worsens, said any election held now would in effect turn the country over to the gangs.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Congress members’ own backgrounds, largely shaped by selective public and private universities, only deepen the disconnect.—
Yolanda Watson Spiva,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
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This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His kingdom as a true follower of Jesus Christ.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The model comes with three attachments, including a crevice tool that helps remove allergy-aggravating dust, pet hair, and debris.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
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The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't make any moves at the NFL trade deadline, aggravating their fanbase in the process.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Violence has intensified, humanitarian aid remains blocked, and political prisoners, including my mother, remain behind bars.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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Yet even among a number of Christians seeking to raise awareness and intensify efforts to put an end to systematic abuses committed by Boko Haram and other jihadi movements, the prospect of foreign intervention raises serious concerns.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But the Supreme Court ruling and ongoing redistricting measures may complicate the political landscape even further.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The aftermath of a ruling against him also could be complicated, if the government must issue refunds for the tariffs that had collected $195 billion in revenue as of September.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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