accelerate

[ak-sel-uh-reyt] / ækˈsɛl əˌreɪt /

VERB

increase speed, timing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advance expedite further hasten open up quicken spur step up stimulate

STRONG

drive dust forward gun hurry impel precipitate railroad rev roll tool

WEAK

fire up hammer on lay a patch lay rubber make tracks nail it peel rubber put on afterburners put pedal to metal rev up speed up step on the gas

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block cease check delay discourage halt hinder slow stop

STRONG

dissuade repress wait

WEAK

decelerate defer impede postpone retard slow down

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.

What secured the show’s passionate fandom are the scripts’ provocative considerations of classism and cultural discrimination as the most potent accelerants of any society’s downfall.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2025

David Shane said traces of fire accelerants were found at the site, which can help explain why the flames spread so quickly.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 28, 2023

Dan Tobin left the 6-year-old dog — who was trained to sniff out explosives and accelerants — in his patrol car while he went inside a station to work.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2023

But he was one of the most talented accelerants, and he steered lustily into the nosedive.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2023

It also warns against using any accelerants, and says proper eye protection is essential.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2023

Vocabulary lists containing accelerate

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

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Holes

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Commonly Misspelled Words, List 2

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