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.

"This study helps clarify how the physiological stressors associated with biological aging may accelerate biological processes linked to aging and disease," said Abdelnaby Khalyfa, M.Sc.,

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group plan to accelerate Marc Jacobs’ growth using WHP’s licensing and G-III’s operations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Someone may intend to work until 67 or 70, she noted, but a health issue, downsizing or caregiving responsibility at 62 or 63 can accelerate retirement — whether they feel financially ready or not.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

"In order to accelerate the research and development of quantum technologies, it is crucial to deepen our understanding of basic concepts to come up with innovative ideas," says Takeuchi.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

Thus, when you accelerate an object—when you subject it to any force, be it gravity or be it the push of a gigantic cosmic elephant—you change its motion through space and through time: through space-time.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Vocabulary lists containing accelerate

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

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