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 said it was aware the family had escalated their complaint to the Local Ombudsman and would await the outcome.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Neither side directly responded to the allegations but both lamented that the acrimony had escalated to litigation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2025

They condemned that things had escalated to where Jewish students felt unsafe and the university canceled in-person classes Monday.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024

The cost of her care had escalated from about $500 when she could have gotten a medication abortion to $6,500 for a multiday abortion procedure.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2024

Unbelievably, things had escalated even more during the night.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt