Showing results for exacerbating. Search instead for ex+acerbating.

exacerbating

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.

The U.S. detected New World screwworm in a Texas calf, the first in six decades, exacerbating pressure from an existing Mexican import ban.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Lu also warns AI-driven growth could widen inequality, exacerbating income and wealth gaps while leaving legacy cities behind as AI industries cluster in major tech hubs.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Polling and sentiment gauges show that high gas prices are exacerbating worries about the cost of living.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Some RLS patients describe a cycle where the medications begin working before exacerbating the underlying condition over time.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

If he jumped off now, Seabiscuit, obedient to equine instinct to flee pain, would probably tear over the track, exacerbating his injury.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand