escalate
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.
Faced with the choice of whether to continue enduring the American naval blockade, or to escalate, they have decided to escalate, though still stopping short of a full-blown war.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
That summer saw temperatures exceed 40C for the first time in parts of Britain, stretching fire services to their limits and highlighting how rising heat and dryness can rapidly escalate fire risk.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
“It could become a game-changer if prices escalate further, or if the situation persists for a longer period of time,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026
"If tensions were to escalate further, particularly into open conflict, there's a clear risk of a sharper spike," he wrote.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
“And you were trying to hurt their feelings. That’s the problem with stuff like this—everyone keeps trying to top one another, and then things escalate out of control.”
From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio
Vocabulary lists containing escalate
This Week in Words: September 25 - October 1, 2017
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This Week in Words: October 22 - 27, 2017
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Higher Learning: Synonyms For "Up"
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