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
  • My conscious connection to God has deepened.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026
  • In the years following 2020, cities nationwide experienced alarming increases in homicides, shootings and other crime as the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, destabilized local economies and deepened distrust in public institutions.
    Diane Goldstein, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Rising global energy prices have worsened the situation.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 June 2026
  • Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insecurity has worsened as the militants have started operating in the southern region.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Calls for his resignation intensified last month, with more than 100 Labour lawmakers publicly urging him to step aside or set out a timetable for his departure.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
  • However, atmospheric drag, intensified by recent solar activity, is pulling it dangerously close to Earth, threatening its imminent burn-up.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • But eating well doesn’t have to be complicated.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • Trump previously planned to hold a Cabinet meeting at Camp David in May but canceled plans because of poor weather that would have complicated the helicopter flight to the retreat.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026

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“Exacerbated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbated. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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