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exacerbates

VERB

infuriate; make worse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate annoy heighten inflame intensify irritate provoke worsen

STRONG

embitter enrage envenom exasperate excite increase madden vex

WEAK

add insult to injury egg on fan the flames feed the fire go from bad to worse heat up hit on push one's button rattle one's cage rub salt in a wound

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid alleviate appease calm delight help improve make happy please soothe

STRONG

comfort compose pacify placate

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.

Borrowed money magnifies returns when share prices are rising as smaller investors are able to gain far more exposure to the upside, but when share prices fall that leverage exacerbates losses.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

There are many examples of match officials being placed in harmful situations but with individuals fearful of speaking out lest it exacerbates the situation or causes further alarm to friends, family and colleagues.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The move exacerbates global economic damage, with an oil shock already affecting Asia and with Gulf countries facing significant GDP shrinkage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"It fuels tropical and subtropical storms and exacerbates ongoing sea-ice loss in the polar regions."

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Greg thinks he helps on busy nights, but really, he only exacerbates the problem.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King