exacerbates

VERB

infuriate; make worse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate annoy heighten inflame intensify irritate provoke worsen

STRONG

embitter enrage envenom exasperate excite increase madden vex

WEAK

add insult to injury egg on fan the flames feed the fire go from bad to worse heat up hit on push one's button rattle one's cage rub salt in a wound

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid alleviate appease calm delight help improve make happy please soothe

STRONG

comfort compose pacify placate

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.

See Examples For:

exacerbates

"That does nothing to resolve conflict; science shows it only exacerbates the conflict."

From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026

Tech companies are borrowing money to fund the development of advanced A.I. systems, for instance, which exacerbates the bond sell-off because investors think A.I.-powered economic growth will keep interest rates higher for longer.

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026

More recent research suggests that introducing AI only exacerbates vulnerabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

Borrowed money magnifies returns when share prices are rising as smaller investors are able to gain far more exposure to the upside, but when share prices fall that leverage exacerbates losses.

From MarketWatch ● May 21, 2026

Greg thinks he helps on busy nights, but really, he only exacerbates the problem.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King