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 anticipated jump in cooling costs is exacerbating the financial pressure many are already feeling as inflation sits at a three-year high.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

While scepticism abounds among this generation of students, some believe AI may be able to solve some of the very problems it's exacerbating.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

Pushing him to return early and exacerbating the injury would be a larger blow to a team seeking its third straight World Series championship.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

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

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