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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of escalate
That, coupled with his work consumption, escalated into an untenable situation for Brinkley.
—
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 July 2025
At least 12 people have died as violent clashes escalate along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
After a fight reportedly escalated between him and another person, he was shot.
—Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025
From the game’s opening moves, the conflict escalated rapidly.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 July 2025
At least 12 people have died as violent clashes escalate along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
After a fight reportedly escalated between him and another person, he was shot.
—Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025
From the game’s opening moves, the conflict escalated rapidly.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalate
Verb
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Decades of research and studies in agriculture have increased production across all crops in the U.S., said James, and cannabis can adopt those same technologies.—
Julie Weed,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
Verb
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As for Nowak’s question about the possibility of AWS’ growth rate accelerating in the back half of the year, Jassy wouldn’t directly answer it but stressed his optimism, in part stemming from AWS customers starting to deploy more AI products at scale that should continue to ramp in coming quarters.—
Geoff Colvin,
Fortune,
1 Aug. 2025
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With complete control of its destiny, the WSL has accelerated its growth, becoming one of the premier women’s leagues in the world, alongside the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the U.S. and Spain’s Liga F.—
Vitas Carosella,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The two battled underneath the stage, and Cena brilliantly rose up on the elevator shaft carrying Cody Rhodes.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As of 2025, fiber internet is available to approximately 88.1 million U.S. households (56.5%), but access is expanding rapidly.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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By doing that, the company was able to expand its operations and add to its Michigan workforce.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
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This leads to swelling and a build-up of fluids in the area, which can cause cloudy vision and other changes.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
30 July 2025
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The body also produces less albumin - a protein that helps maintain fluid balance - leading to swelling in the legs and abdomen.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
29 July 2025
Verb
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This is among the greatest strengths of AI—augmenting human capabilities.—
Hank Boughner,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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The Royals must win games and remain in the playoff mix in order to keep their current roster together — and perhaps even augment it.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
Verb
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But in these recent times, Ford's leaders have intensified their examination of its Chinese rivals viewing them as the top competition to learn from — and beat.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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But as the region shifted back to a dry pattern, fire behavior intensified.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Trump has argued that lower interest rates would boost growth and reduce borrowing costs.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
24 July 2025
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President Donald Trump can fire three Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for now the Supreme Court said on July 23 in the latest decision boosting the ability of the president to control independent agencies.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalate. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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