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.
“Keep your responses brief, stick to information, be friendly and firm. Try to answer in a way that doesn’t escalate conflict,” he said.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026
With the legal fight set to escalate, Sorsby switched gears and plans to withdraw his lawsuit against the NCAA.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026
Would that escalate to a worldwide nuclear war?
From Salon • Jun. 15, 2026
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed "the need to avoid rhetoric, provocations, and actions that could escalate tensions in the period leading up to the signing of the agreement, and to remain vigilant against possible sabotage."
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
“And you were trying to hurt their feelings. That’s the problem with stuff like this—everyone keeps trying to top one another, and then things escalate out of control.”
From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio
Vocabulary lists containing escalate
This Week in Words: September 25 - October 1, 2017
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This Week in Words: October 22 - 27, 2017
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Higher Learning: Synonyms For "Up"
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