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.
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
“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
"There's danger that they will escalate situations or respond very aggressively in... tense situations," he said.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
The U.S. military buildup in the Mideast came as fighting continued to escalate in the Persian Gulf region on Wednesday.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 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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