escalate
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.
Last weekend, the United Arab Emirates said a drone strike hit an electricity generator at its nuclear power station, a sign of how any further fighting could escalate.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
The Red Cross warned that Ebola can escalate quickly if cases are not identified early, communities lack information and health systems are overwhelmed, adding that "we are seeing all those conditions" in the current outbreak.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
Faced with the choice of whether to continue enduring the American naval blockade, or to escalate, they have decided to escalate, though still stopping short of a full-blown war.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
"If tensions were to escalate further, particularly into open conflict, there's a clear risk of a sharper spike," he wrote.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
That’s when the Space Race began to escalate.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Vocabulary lists containing escalate
This Week in Words: September 25 - October 1, 2017
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!
This Week in Words: October 22 - 27, 2017
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!
Higher Learning: Synonyms For "Up"
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!
