escalated

VERB

increase, be increased

Synonyms

STRONGEST

expand grow heighten intensify mount raise rise step up widen

STRONG

amplify ascend broaden climb enlarge extend magnify scale

WEAK

make worse

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline decrease diminish drop fall halt lessen lower reduce slow slump stop

STRONG

abridge compress condense contract curtail descend go down shorten shrink

WEAK

weaken

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 authorities escalated further, arresting Audias Flores, El Mencho's presumed successor, as well as his top accountant and other lieutenants.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

It was later confirmed by Valverde himself and the situation is understood to have escalated on Thursday at Real's training base.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Tensions escalated over Martinez de Vara’s plan to eliminate property taxes, according to interviews, City Council minutes and previous news accounts.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

Canada’s economy rebounded in the first quarter despite signs activity tailed off in March even with a spike in energy prices as the conflict in the Middle East escalated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“This escalated so quickly,” I muttered as another text came in.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows