Definitions

accelerate

[ak-sel-uh-reyt] / ækˈsɛl əˌreɪt /

VERB

increase speed, timing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advance expedite further hasten open up quicken spur step up stimulate

STRONG

drive dust forward gun hurry impel precipitate railroad rev roll tool

WEAK

fire up hammer on lay a patch lay rubber make tracks nail it peel rubber put on afterburners put pedal to metal rev up speed up step on the gas

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block cease check delay discourage halt hinder slow stop

STRONG

dissuade repress wait

WEAK

decelerate defer impede postpone retard slow down

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.

Most seniors say they any want to age in place, but difficulty handling bills can lead to late fees, canceled insurance policies and problems with credit, and accelerate an unwanted move to assisted living.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

The Eels of Steel scheme, funded by Natural England, aims to accelerate the recovery of the type of fish in the Tees catchment.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

We should do all we can to accelerate market forces in higher education.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Wall Street analysts polled by FactSet expect same-restaurant sales growth to accelerate to 4.7% and total revenue to grow 16% from the year-ago period.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

After what felt like an eternity, we’d finally accelerate onto Lake Shore Drive, following the curve of Lake Michigan north toward downtown.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing accelerate

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

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Holes

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Commonly Misspelled Words, List 2

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