as in to worsen
to make more severe
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem
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Recent Examples of exacerbate
The companion study, which sought to determine why, found that children's new mattresses in particular exhibit high concentrations of such chemicals, which is exacerbated when the child's body warmth and weight is present.
—
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The tensions were only exacerbated by the often-petty rivalries between the CIA and FBI that eroded coordination and prompted most leaders to miss the attacks as they were being planned and executed.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Lerma is a more natural fit but in a back three without its leader — albeit one who leads more by example than by speaking on the pitch — that challenge was exacerbated.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
The speed-running of this case is exacerbated by Amy going into labor.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The tensions were only exacerbated by the often-petty rivalries between the CIA and FBI that eroded coordination and prompted most leaders to miss the attacks as they were being planned and executed.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Lerma is a more natural fit but in a back three without its leader — albeit one who leads more by example than by speaking on the pitch — that challenge was exacerbated.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
The speed-running of this case is exacerbated by Amy going into labor.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exacerbate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbate
Verb
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The administration’s threat of tariffs on pharmaceuticals risks political backlash, worsening drug shortages and future battles over who pays.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
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Additionally, 92% of workers are concerned about a potential recession, and 52% foresee burnout rates worsening this year.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Research from psychologists Robert Emmons and Philip Watkins shows that gratitude, especially in moments of hardship, strengthens our emotional well-being and deepens our connections.—
Colin Bedell,
Them.,
18 Apr. 2025
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The intricate tensions of their relationships are deepened by evocations of the past—including their forebears’ tragic resistance to enslavement—and of enduring African traditions.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Extended exposure to pollutants like ozone or fine particulate matter can lead to coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath, and may aggravate conditions like asthma and bronchitis.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
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Breathing danger: Health risks from ash Breathing volcanic ash can irritate the throat and lungs, trigger asthma attacks and aggravate chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD.—
David Kitchen,
The Conversation,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Patterson’s departure likely will intensify UM’s efforts to find a starting caliber safety in the portal.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2025
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In this context of uncertainty, competition intensifies on entry and middle market watches.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, the picture for other automakers is complicated, to say the least.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
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What complicates the picture are Makhachev’s own ambitions.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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