exacerbated

past tense of exacerbate
as in aggravated
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 exacerbated This vulnerability is exacerbated by public social media activity and widespread data leaks, offering cybercriminals crucial hints. Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The aftermath of Lord’s only exacerbated those differences. Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 June 2026 The strain was exacerbated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, and Prince Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare, in which Harry shed light on his perspective on royal life. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 The district continues to face ongoing challenges from declining enrollment and chronic absenteeism — both apparently exacerbated by federal deportation threats, according to some experts. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026 Traditionally, older zinnia varieties were susceptible to powdery mildew, an issue exacerbated by increasing heat levels across various regions. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 For starters, economist Kathryn Anne Edwards sees polarization among parents as being exacerbated by a lack of choice. Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 22 June 2026 Consumers face a constant threat of high inflation, readily exacerbated by external shocks such as the Iran war, triggering a demand for safe currency stores. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 17 June 2026 This stark discrepancy—akin to selling a Hermès bag at a 60 percent discount in one location while attempting to sell it at full price at a nearby store—has exacerbated mistrust in the art system’s attribution of prices and value. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbated
Verb
  • In August 2023, Shirilla was convicted of murder, felonious assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, drug possession, and criminal tools possession (psilocybin mushrooms and a scale were found at the crime scene).
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 June 2026
  • Meanwhile the 27-year-old Pulisic injured his calf initially just last week in training and aggravated it during the USMNT’s World Cup opener—a 4-1 drubbing of Paraguay.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Recent workplace shifts have deepened the loneliness epidemic.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • The continued seismic activity has deepened fears among residents already traumatized by the disaster.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Now a controversial study claims that working from home worsened mental health.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The American pope has prioritized church unity and healing tensions with traditionalists that worsened during the Pope Francis pontificate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election after a June debate performance intensified concerns about his age and ability to serve.
    Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026
  • Hot, dry and windy conditions Wildfire activity has intensified across the western United States, as consecutive days of hot, dry and windy weather have fueled flames in Utah, Arizona and elsewhere as new fires popped up across the region.
    Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Robinson’s value is complicated, as the elite rim protector and offensive rebounder has a history of ankle surgeries, and he’s been played off of the court in the postseason due to his free-throw-shooting deficiencies.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • Why Employees Still Struggle With Open Enrollment ​Benefits language is inherently complicated, and most employees aren't insurance experts.
    Sabra Sciolaro, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

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“Exacerbated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbated. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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