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.
US Central Command also said it was not seeking to escalate the conflict.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
He doubted the incident would escalate, given the close collaboration between the security services of both countries.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 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
The newly inaugurated Lyndon Johnson had sky-high support after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, political cover that arguably helped Johnson muscle civil rights legislation through Congress and escalate the Vietnam War.
From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026
The terrible sounds he’d heard escalate for the last hour took on a high-pitched, mechanical squeal, like a robotic death yell.
From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner
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!
