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

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 Budget cuts and the insistence on using energy derived from fossil fuels may only exacerbate the problems the U.S. is already facing. Kelly Fleming, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 But others are still experiencing housing instability, exacerbated by having to find a new place to live so quickly. Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025 But with wildfires now exacerbated by fossil fuel combustion, hotter weather, and poor forest management, experts say this blind spot is no longer defensible. Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025 As the Journal Sentinel reported in June, recent Canadian wildfire seasons have been exacerbated by climate change and warm spring temperatures. Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
Verb
  • The company behind the Warner Bros. studio, the HBO Max streaming service and cable networks including CNN and HGTV saw improving results for its streaming operations and production studios, even as conditions for its traditional TV networks appeared to worsen.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
  • If the body is already in a state of chronic stress, for example, intense workouts can actually worsen the condition.
    Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Laureano has deepened his hitting groove so far with his team.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
  • In short, a healthy conflict serves as a reminder that the relationship can survive tough moments and even deepen because of them.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ball faces charges of indecent assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, indecent exposure and unlawful contact with a minor, police said.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Following a two-day trial in Leavenworth County District Court, the jury found Liberti N. Figueroa guilty on Tuesday of two counts of aggravated endangering a child.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This stuff is a powerful oxidizer that, while not flammable by itself, will accelerate and intensify combustion of rubber balloons, clothing, hair, skin, eye tissue and other things that burn when used around open flames such as bongs, joints, and cigarettes.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
  • While Iran frames its warnings as a measure to deter future attacks, the U.S. and its allies view Iran's intensifying rhetoric as likely to heighten regional tensions.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Trump said the decision is complicated, weighing the benefits of marijuana use for medical reasons against potential societal impacts.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Polling Russians about the war is complicated, but surveys reveal that almost 70% of Russians are in support of the conflict and pursuing total victory.
    Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

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“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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