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
These liquidations can exacerbate downturns, said Ryan Rasmussen, head of research at Bitwise Asset Management.
—
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
The real issue is close proximity – think being together 24/7 in a small hotel room or cruise cabin – which can exacerbate differing travel preferences and lead to potential tension.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Knicks fans’ superstitions surrounding the purse may have been exacerbated after the team’s 115-111 loss to the Spurs on Monday.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
Ultimately, the conflict exacerbated an existing rift between the school and its community over political activism.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
The real issue is close proximity – think being together 24/7 in a small hotel room or cruise cabin – which can exacerbate differing travel preferences and lead to potential tension.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Knicks fans’ superstitions surrounding the purse may have been exacerbated after the team’s 115-111 loss to the Spurs on Monday.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
Ultimately, the conflict exacerbated an existing rift between the school and its community over political activism.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
Verb
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Archer decided to visit a doctor in September 2022 when his symptoms worsened, but doctors initially weren't too concerned.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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On Monday night the Pacifica City Council extended an emergency declaration over the pier's condition, which has worsened from cracks in the concrete to a large chasm.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Verb
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The morning of June 6, Mellor was back at Boston Logan airport for another trip to Havana, at a time when the United States is trying to tighten economic strings to choke Cuba’s government into change, and the country faces a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
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Nvidia is looking to deepen its ties with South Korea as tech supply chains come into focus given the Iran war, and as the company faces rising regulatory hurdles in selling to the mainland Chinese market.—
Justina Lee,Lisa Kim,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Verb
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Koeninger, a Tennessee signee, was noticeably missing from the batting order after aggravating a left-hand injury last week.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 June 2026
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The complex may actually have aggravated the city’s housing woes, since its presence has reportedly nudged up rents and attracted real-estate speculators.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Jury convicted Anthony earlier Tuesday The jury convicted Anthony of murder in the stabbing death of 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco ISD track meet – a case that drew national attention and intensified conversations about self‑defense, race, and safety at school events.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
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However, the Fund noted that a prolonged or intensified conflict could negatively affect medium-term growth and investment prospects.—
Melissa Hancock,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Rain is forecast on Saturday afternoon, which could complicate the mission which involves navigating steep passageways within the cavern.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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But then things got complicated.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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