as in worsening
to make more severe
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem
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Recent Examples of exacerbating
The network originated as an effort to accelerate the collapse of modern society by exacerbating social tensions and dividing society through violence, and has roots in white supremacy and fascism, Kriner said.
—
Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
And the exacerbating factor was Nestor picked the Gophers’ bitter rival.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025
The limited job gains also are coming from practically a single source, exacerbating those concerns.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
And some experts suggest that climate change is exacerbating the crisis, as many homes are underinsured for natural disasters, which are increasing in frequency.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
The disaster comes as Sudan's war is exacerbating its humanitarian crisis.
—Robert Birsel
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Traditionally, the help Congress has offered buyers — including subsidies and low-cost loans — has spurred demand, exacerbating these supply pressures.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Many Americans identify as moderates, but we’re often exposed to the loudest voices on either political extreme, exacerbating the growing sense of polarization.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
This caused ductwork to condensate and fill with water, which in turn increased the humidity in the building, exacerbating an already humid summer.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
And the exacerbating factor was Nestor picked the Gophers’ bitter rival.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025
The limited job gains also are coming from practically a single source, exacerbating those concerns.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
And some experts suggest that climate change is exacerbating the crisis, as many homes are underinsured for natural disasters, which are increasing in frequency.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
The disaster comes as Sudan's war is exacerbating its humanitarian crisis.
—Robert Birsel
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Traditionally, the help Congress has offered buyers — including subsidies and low-cost loans — has spurred demand, exacerbating these supply pressures.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Many Americans identify as moderates, but we’re often exposed to the loudest voices on either political extreme, exacerbating the growing sense of polarization.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
This caused ductwork to condensate and fill with water, which in turn increased the humidity in the building, exacerbating an already humid summer.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbating
Verb
-
Fortunately, just as the worsening problem feels insurmountable, solutions are becoming feasible.—
Dan Riskin,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Wildfire worries With the worsening drought comes worries over wildfires.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As well as job displacement, AI risks deepening wealth inequality—concentrating the gains among those who own or are able to leverage its abilities, while throwing the remainder into the same basket of the formerly employable unemployed.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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Instead, officials reinforce colonial subordination while deepening the vulnerability of immigrant communities.—
Israel Melendez Ayala,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Analysts now warn that Patel's on-air summaries may force prosecutors to respond in court, potentially complicating an already fast-moving and closely watched prosecution.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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Right guard Tyler Steen was driven back into Hurts during the offense’s second drive, complicating a third-and-10 throw that fell incomplete.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exacerbating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbating. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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