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.

The ADRs have struggled to hold above $120 in recent trading sessions, and losses could accelerate if they break below that level.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said that the government had to accelerate progress.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“This should really accelerate the production of new housing in Los Angeles and beyond.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The leadership team recognizes change is needed and want to accelerate the strategy, Rainforth says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

But she was afraid to accelerate for fear of running into a speed trap.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

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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