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.
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
The weak yen exacerbates this impact by increasing the cost of imported energy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
Greg thinks he helps on busy nights, but really, he only exacerbates the problem.
From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King
