exacerbate

verb

ig-ˈza-sər-ˌbāt How to pronounce exacerbate (audio)
Definition of exacerbatenext
as in to worsen
to make more severe a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The budget shortfall has been exacerbated by a decline in births and a reduction of immigration, resulting in fewer taxpayers at the same time that many Baby Boomers have begun receiving benefits. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026 This year, experts are recommending additional caution with fireworks in North Carolina, as the heat wave could exacerbate dangerous conditions, The News & Observer reported. — Eva Flowe july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 Representatives say the earthquake has significantly exacerbated pre-existing humanitarian concerns. — Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Lines, who is being represented by attorneys at the Tech Justice Law Project and the Social Media Victims Law Center, argues in his suit that OpenAI failed to properly warn him that ChatGPT could exacerbate his disability. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
  1. worsen
  2. deepen
  3. aggravate
  4. intensify
  5. complicate
Verb
  • The uninterrupted sun dries out soil increasing drought risk, and light winds allow pollutants to build up, worsening air quality, particularly in urban areas.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • People in the area are advised to remain ready to leave again if conditions worsen.
    — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • South Korean officials and experts say the vessel was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties between the countries, but some analysts have questioned how effective the vessel would be in active service.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • The prospect of a lost season would aggravate some members of Congress and their constituents.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026
  • Chicago police said Lance Cunningham, 24, is facing felony charges, including multiple counts of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI.
    — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of aggravate
Verb
  • Lane closures remained in effect, snarling traffic for several miles as rush hour intensified.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Brown was the subject of rampant trade rumors in recent weeks, with those intensifying after the Celtics’ attempt to flip him for Giannis Antetokounmpo failed.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Washington area, which could complicate plans for fireworks displays, including the show the president will attend in Washington.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • The family's plans have been complicated by ongoing security concerns.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of complicate

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exacerbate
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Cite this Entry

“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exacerbate

Nglish: Translation of exacerbate for Spanish Speakers

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