exacerbating

verb

present participle of exacerbate
as in worsening
to make more severe a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 exacerbating This makes the task of dealing with the impact of climate, health and price shocks that much harder and risks further exacerbating or accelerating individual drivers. — Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026 In addition, this shortage places high pressure on local housing markets, exacerbating the broader housing crisis and creating challenges for communities near college campuses, the report said. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 Climate change caused by humans is exacerbating these conditions. — Ava Berger, NPR, 16 July 2026 Humid conditions hold in more of those particulates, exacerbating the problem. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 16 July 2026 Advocates say that with the closure, more immigrant detainees are being transferred to FDC Miami, exacerbating the already questionable conditions. — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026 Low temperatures across the region will probably remain in the 70s even overnight, providing little relief and exacerbating health concerns. — Joseph Serna, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 European countries are increasingly left without any cushion to manage shocks, further exacerbating their negative effects. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026 Climate change and conflict share a complex, multidimensional relationship, each capable of exacerbating the other. — Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbating
  1. worsening
  2. deepening
  3. complicating
Verb
  • After coming into power, the Malian military junta expelled French forces from the country in 2022, citing protection of national sovereignty and a worsening security crisis.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • The drop was driven by worsening infrastructure, softening housing and a high cost of living.
    — Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of worsening
Verb
  • The corruption allegations and deepening political crisis in Puerto Rico have caught the attention of some federal legislators, who questioned whether federal funds are being appropriately used.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • Instead of closing the door on his dream, Nolan pivoted to studying English literature at University College London, a decision he has since been credited with strengthening his screenwriting and deepening his understanding of language and metaphor.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Definition of deepening
Verb
  • Common issues complicating pregnancies are obesity, substance abuse, and depression or mental health problems.
    — Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Firefighting crews were making progress in trying to keep the blaze under control, but strong wind gusts were complicating those efforts.
    — Miguel Macias, NPR, 27 July 2026
Definition of complicating

Browse Nearby Words

exacerbates
exacerbating
exact
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Cite this Entry

“Exacerbating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbating. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exacerbating

Nglish: Translation of exacerbating for Spanish Speakers

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