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 buyers plan to accelerate the brand’s next phase of growth through WHP’s licensing platform and G-III’s operating capabilities, the companies said Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Someone may intend to work until 67 or 70, she noted, but a health issue, downsizing or caregiving responsibility at 62 or 63 can accelerate retirement — whether they feel financially ready or not.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

Bank of America also now expects Akamai’s annual profit to accelerate based on its improved position in the AI marketplace.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

"In order to accelerate the research and development of quantum technologies, it is crucial to deepen our understanding of basic concepts to come up with innovative ideas," says Takeuchi.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

But in order to accelerate the air to the necessary speed, giant wooden turbines had to accelerate the blast through the entirety of the tunnel’s circuit.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

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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