exacerbate

verb

ig-ˈza-sər-ˌbāt How to pronounce exacerbate (audio)
Definition of exacerbatenext
as in to worsen
to make more severe a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 exacerbate Economic hardship for working families and young people exacerbates their frustration and disenfranchisement, while a tepid Democratic leadership response adds to anti-establishment sentiment. — Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 Leo alleged that the relationship breakdown was exacerbated by a power imbalance that resulted in him becoming isolated at work. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 Wages began to trail inflation in April, exacerbating the budget crunch unleashed after a price surge set off by the Iran war, some analysts told ABC news. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 The president’s place at the center of the American political story exacerbated the problem. — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
  1. worsen
  2. deepen
  3. aggravate
  4. intensify
  5. complicate
Verb
  • Africa's most populous country will hold the election against a backdrop of worsening economic and security crises that have caused anger among voters against Tinubu's government.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • His relatives called Montes a troubled man whose struggles have worsened since the recent death of his grandmother, who raised him.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Savoring distinguishes itself from gratitude and mindfulness by actively deepening present joys.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez aggravated his sore right elbow on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Giants shortstop Willy Adames left the game in the seventh inning after aggravating a back ailment while turning a double play.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggravate
Verb
  • Clashes have intensified near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key maritime chokepoint, in recent weeks after the Houthis declared a blockade of Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Nearly all the survivors have returned to Morocco, and both countries have intensified security measures.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • The death sentence complicates any extradition under Russian law, but a decision not to hand over a former close ally to face justice would be far more political than legal, experts say.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • While the White House hoped to remove Díaz-Canel and the Castro family from power, the push has been complicated by the lack of a credible opposition since revolutionary brothers Fidel and Raúl overthrew the island’s military dictatorship in 1959.
    — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicate

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Cite this Entry

“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exacerbate

Nglish: Translation of exacerbate for Spanish Speakers

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