exacerbate
verb (used with object)
to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.
exacerbates
-
present tense formof exacerbate (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.
“It also exacerbates the pressures facing America’s electric grid by forcing critical existing power plants into early retirement and severely restricting the operation of new natural gas plants,” Matheson said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
This in turn exacerbates dangers such as flooding.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
"That does nothing to resolve conflict; science shows it only exacerbates the conflict."
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026
Tech companies are borrowing money to fund the development of advanced A.I. systems, for instance, which exacerbates the bond sell-off because investors think A.I.-powered economic growth will keep interest rates higher for longer.
From Slate ● Aug. 20, 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
