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Definitions

escalate

[es-kuh-leyt] / ˈɛs kəˌleɪt /
VERB
increase, be increased
Synonyms
STRONGEST
expand grow heighten intensify mount raise rise step up widen
STRONG
amplify ascend broaden climb enlarge extend magnify scale
WEAK
make worse
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decline decrease diminish drop fall halt lessen lower reduce slow slump stop
STRONG
abridge compress condense contract curtail descend go down shorten shrink
WEAK
weaken

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The war is still escalating, and news alerts are pouring in on my phone.

From BBC

Airlines and cruise operators were among the worst-hit stocks on Monday as the travel sector faced up to escalating conflict in the Middle East.

From Barron's

“This escalated so quickly,” I muttered as another text came in.

From Literature

Airlines and cruise operators were among the worst-hit stocks ahead of the market open Monday as the travel sector faced up to escalating conflict in the Middle East.

From Barron's

Oil prices spiked early Monday, with Brent crude briefly hitting $80 a barrel as the conflict in the Middle East widened and escalated.

From Barron's

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.