as in to worsen
to make more severe
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem
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Example Sentences
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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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Eventually, those with ALS often experience trouble talking, walking, and swallowing, and the symptoms worsen over time.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2025
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Rolling back rules will take time, but America’s air quality could worsen in the interim.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In today’s environment—where diners increasingly ask where food comes from—this trend gives operators a way to deepen authenticity, connection, and trust. #4 Diner Designed Menus that listen, meals that engage The rise of personalization isn’t new.—
Unilever Food Solutions Contributor,
Forbes.com,
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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Missing their leading scorer and best player will complicate that pursuit.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
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Additionally, the digital scan has complicated a controversial narrative about a first officer on the Titanic: William Murdoch, who has long been accused of abandoning his post.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exacerbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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