exacerbated

past tense of exacerbate
as in aggravated
to make more severe a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem

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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 exacerbated The country has increasingly turned to technology to combat the threat of fires, exacerbated by climate change. Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 The total number may also be far higher, as the already opaque practices of the shipping industry have been exacerbated by the risks of war. Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026 The budget shortfall has been exacerbated by a decline in births and a reduction of immigration, resulting in fewer taxpayers at the same time that many Baby Boomers have begun receiving benefits. Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026 And a wave of recent tax cuts has exacerbated the state’s more sober financial reality. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 The concentrated population, aging buildings, lack of architectural safety standards, and soft soil were all factors that exacerbated the structural devastation. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026 Key industries like agriculture, outdoor recreation, and the power grid are structurally vulnerable to water scarcity and extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change. Kelly Fleming, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Engelmayer said Weinstein's medical ordeal was exacerbated by a case of pneumonia. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The aftermath of Lord’s only exacerbated those differences. Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbated
Verb
  • Chicago police said Lance Cunningham, 24, is facing felony charges, including multiple counts of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI.
    Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • In August 2023, Shirilla was convicted of murder, felonious assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, drug possession, and criminal tools possession (psilocybin mushrooms and a scale were found at the crime scene).
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Recent workplace shifts have deepened the loneliness epidemic.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • The continued seismic activity has deepened fears among residents already traumatized by the disaster.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Now a controversial study claims that working from home worsened mental health.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The American pope has prioritized church unity and healing tensions with traditionalists that worsened during the Pope Francis pontificate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure ‌this year, causing fuel shortages in parts of Russia.
    Reuters, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Gymshark’s growth has slowed as competition has intensified and consumers have become more cautious about spending.
    Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Robinson’s value is complicated, as the elite rim protector and offensive rebounder has a history of ankle surgeries, and he’s been played off of the court in the postseason due to his free-throw-shooting deficiencies.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • Why Employees Still Struggle With Open Enrollment ​Benefits language is inherently complicated, and most employees aren't insurance experts.
    Sabra Sciolaro, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exacerbated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbated. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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