exacerbates

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.

In other words, AI exacerbates the already-existing psychology tendency toward action over inaction.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

"It fuels tropical and subtropical storms and exacerbates ongoing sea-ice loss in the polar regions."

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

But that action is hollow and exacerbates the problem.

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2025

"Attempting to classify foods as unhealthy simply because they are processed, or demonizing food by ignoring its full nutrient content, misleads consumers and exacerbates health disparities," Ms Gallo said in a statement.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

I’m frightened, but I’m not sure what I’m afraid of, which just exacerbates the fear.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins