escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
escalates
-
present tense formof escalate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
Even if the war in the Middle East escalates, strong expectations for earnings per share in the third-quarter financial reporting season, beginning in mid-October, should support stocks, as well as corporate credit.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026
Over the following fortnight, the unrest escalates dramatically.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026
Attempts at diplomacy have floundered as fighting escalates on several fronts across Africa's third-largest country.
From Barron's ● Sep. 11, 2026
The Aurora board’s unanimous recommendation to take no action escalates the defensive stance it has taken since Curaleaf made its offer earlier last month.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
“Doesn’t my opinion matter?” he asks one evening, before the conversation escalates to door slamming.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
