escalate

[es-kuh-leyt] / ˈɛs kəˌleɪt /

VERB

increase, be increased

Synonyms

STRONGEST

expand grow heighten intensify mount raise rise step up widen

STRONG

amplify ascend broaden climb enlarge extend magnify scale

WEAK

make worse

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline decrease diminish drop fall halt lessen lower reduce slow slump stop

STRONG

abridge compress condense contract curtail descend go down shorten shrink

WEAK

weaken

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 U.S. forces would interdict vessels and clear potential mines, while also signaling a readiness to escalate militarily if needed.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Both times saw military tensions escalate in the middle of negotiations.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

But crude benchmarks were struggling for direction on Monday, suggesting investors were shrugging off fears that the conflict in the Middle East could escalate amid reports of a potential peace plan.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

“And nobody should be confused—there are lots of ways that this war could escalate further very quickly.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Trying to figure out how not to have the situation escalate.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

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!