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.

He said the market reacted in part to uncertainty about the extent to which tech companies are going to push to accelerate capital spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Current uncertain market conditions mean issuers, their bankers and private-equity sponsors need to be ready to accelerate, slow or pause IPO plans, consultants and bankers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

That increased exposure appears to accelerate a natural process that removes nitrate from seawater.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

“I sought to accelerate cost reduction, simplify the portfolio and strengthen the balance sheet,” Manifold said in a statement shared with Barron’s.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

They accelerate to prevent migrants from reboarding up ahead.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

Vocabulary lists containing accelerate

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Holes

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Commonly Misspelled Words, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!