as in to worsen
to make more severe
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 heat wave exacerbated coral bleaching, which decreases available reef habitat, and subsequent heat waves ultimately killed many of the fish the researchers studied.
—
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025
Batista said the situation also exacerbates shortages of military and prison chaplains, hampering efforts to provide servicemembers and inmates ample opportunity to practice their religion, as federally required.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Others worry that a big number could exacerbate the deficit.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Foods and Drinks to Avoid Some foods and drinks promote inflammation and may exacerbate your allergy symptoms.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025
Batista said the situation also exacerbates shortages of military and prison chaplains, hampering efforts to provide servicemembers and inmates ample opportunity to practice their religion, as federally required.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Others worry that a big number could exacerbate the deficit.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Foods and Drinks to Avoid Some foods and drinks promote inflammation and may exacerbate your allergy symptoms.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
Verb
-
There are also mental health impacts with worsening anxiety, stress, and depression in the hotter summer months.—
Jamie Hailstone,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
Truckers are a key industrial force that helps keep the worsening Iranian economy above water.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
This could deepen existing social inequalities, creating new layers of privilege and marginalization.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
Months passed and her discomfort deepened into a piercing pain, but by the time she was taken seriously, a scary diagnosis left one of her ovaries beyond saving.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
Shannon Smith, 48, was sentenced to 8.5 years behind bars after pleading guilty to one count of taking the identity of another and four counts of aggravated taking the identity of another, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said in a May 22 news release.—
Sara Schilling,
Sacbee.com,
22 May 2025
-
He is accused of killing a man named Brandon Fees during a car burglary in 2024 and was in jail awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery and threatening a public official before the escape.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
The September departure of OpenAI’s chief technology officer, Mira Murati, who then founded a rival AI startup, has intensified the AI talent war.—
Anna Tong,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
Working with players on a daily basis allows medical teams to develop strong relationships with them, but this can intensify the pressure to make the right decisions.—
Geoff Scott,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
While their relationship is complicated, to say the least, Serena doesn't want to see June executed.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
-
Finding the ideal sleeper sofa for your home can be complicated.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share