Synonyms of exacerbates

exacerbates

verb

present tense third-person singular of exacerbate

as in deepens

to make more severe

a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deepens
• aggravates
• complicates
• worsens
• intensifies
• amplifies
• magnifies

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• alleviates
• mitigates
• relieves
• helps
• eases
• improves
• allays
• ameliorates
• assuages
• betters

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of exacerbates

Trump’s rejection of the bipartisan housing legislation exacerbates tensions with his own party in a midterm election year and cuts short their efforts to address a key voter concern about rising costs. — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Detainees had little access to recreational activities and time outside, which mental health experts say exacerbates their despair. — Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026

The outbreak exacerbates existing vulnerabilities like conflict, malnutrition, and low vaccination rates, while fear deters routine healthcare. — Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Mysticism promises transformation, but without the transactional logic of self-help, which so often simply exacerbates the problem. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

The natural disaster exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian and political crises. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

That in turn exacerbates the budgetary pressures. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

Dehydration also exacerbates the risk. — ABC News, 18 June 2026

That exacerbates both the potential reach of food safety issues and the risk of shortages, as was the case with the devastating run on formula back in 2022 in the wake of Abbott recalls. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 18 June 2026