Showing results for exacerbates.

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.

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

In other words, AI exacerbates the already-existing psychology tendency toward action over inaction.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

Cutting rates when inflation is elevated typically exacerbates the problem.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Eurozone government bond yields jumped, tracking Treasury yields, as the war in the Middle East exacerbates inflation concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

I’m frightened, but I’m not sure what I’m afraid of, which just exacerbates the fear.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins