1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
as the war between the two countries escalated, it threatened to become a global conflict
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to accelerate
to make greater in size, amount, or number
the president promised to escalate the government's program to combat the dreaded disease
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of escalate
The policy change comes amid escalating anti-China rhetoric and growing competition for dominance in space.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Electronic warfare systems used by both sides to take drones off course and an escalating air war may increase the danger of direct military engagement between Russia and NATO, ACLED senior analyst Nichita Gurcov said.
—Brendan Cole
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The trailer transitions to black and white footage, with a crew member getting involved to break up the escalating fight.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Besides, the escalating tension between Laura and Cherry shifts into a much more compelling register.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Electronic warfare systems used by both sides to take drones off course and an escalating air war may increase the danger of direct military engagement between Russia and NATO, ACLED senior analyst Nichita Gurcov said.
—Brendan Cole
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The trailer transitions to black and white footage, with a crew member getting involved to break up the escalating fight.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Besides, the escalating tension between Laura and Cherry shifts into a much more compelling register.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalate
Verb
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Start with once daily, and if your skin can handle it, gradually increase to two or three times per week.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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When a La Niña phase occurs, less wind shear occurs in the regions of the Atlantic basin where tropical weather develops, increasing the potential for more storms, AccuWeather said.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Department of War created a new task force in August to accelerate counter-drone development.—
Joseph Nepomuceno,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Sep. 2025
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The nanophotonic device could accelerate advances in communications, precision measurement, and even environmental monitoring.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Colorado River and the two reservoirs have been suffering because of a multidecade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Stellarium Venus Begins To Fade September sees Venus rise closer to sunrise.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Unrivaled Experiences Growth Spurt Unrivaled will expand ahead of its second season with the addition of two new clubs and a development player pool, the league announced Wednesday.—
Roberta F. Rodrigues,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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The panel issued over 100 recommendations, from limiting cash bail for misdemeanors to expanding racial equity training for prosecutors.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That swell at Mavericks, a half mile off the coast of Half Moon Bay, hit two days before Christmas, on the same day and amid the same storm that destroyed the Santa Cruz Wharf.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
13 Sep. 2025
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As guests swelled outside the dining room, Chow and Osbourne led the lively room in a toast to New York and invitation to continue on to the comedy show.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Leaders must pair intelligence with intention, ensuring AI augments humanity, not replaces it.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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The Little Market is meant to augment the larger restaurant.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The interview came as federal investigators intensified their search for Kirk's killer.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
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Apple didn’t explain its reasoning behind the decision, but the market for satellite-to-phone service is intensifying.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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By inserting an extra biochemical cycle into a model plant, the researchers boosted growth, seed yield, and fat production without increasing water demand.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
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Follow immediately with the second pad, packed with retinol and antioxidants to boost collagen and calm the skin.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalate. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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