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.

Current uncertain market conditions mean issuers, their bankers and private-equity sponsors need to be ready to accelerate, slow or pause IPO plans, consultants and bankers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

That increased exposure appears to accelerate a natural process that removes nitrate from seawater.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

“I sought to accelerate cost reduction, simplify the portfolio and strengthen the balance sheet,” Manifold said in a statement shared with Barron’s.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Nomura says Beijing may still need to intensify property-sector clean up efforts and accelerate fiscal reforms to support weaker regions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Had he been pondering the question of how to accelerate particles for a long time, or did the concept that was to guide his life’s work occur to him on the spot?

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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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