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.
Both times saw military tensions escalate in the middle of negotiations.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
But crude benchmarks were struggling for direction on Monday, suggesting investors were shrugging off fears that the conflict in the Middle East could escalate amid reports of a potential peace plan.
From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026
But he doubled down on his deadline — following up with a post warning Iran that attacks would escalate at 8 p.m.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026
“And nobody should be confused—there are lots of ways that this war could escalate further very quickly.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
Ironically, the good times in between were what allowed it to drag out and escalate as far as it did.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
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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