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.

Beijing has escalated a sweeping purge of military officials in the days before thousands of delegates from across the country meet for the annual Two Sessions political conclave that starts on Wednesday.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

“This latest version has escalated the threats more around the act of reporting itself,” one expert told Poynter.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

The battle over fume events has escalated into one of the fiercest standoffs between the aviation industry and aircrew.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 14, 2025

Since then, it has escalated into a row alleging leaky roofs, botched refurbishments and claims that a noisy lift was "maliciously" run at night to disturb the penthouse owner's sleep.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025

Carrie doesn’t seem to notice this; she’s just giddy that he’s come by, that she didn’t dream the whole IM exchange, that chatting has escalated into speaking...and who knows what will happen next?

From "Every Day" by David Levithan