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.

The rising cost of living exacerbates the dynamic, as the inflation rate reached a three-year high of 4.2% in May.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 19, 2026

More recent research suggests that introducing AI only exacerbates vulnerabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Real estate agent Bret Parsons said in many cases, it doesn’t make sense for homeowners to sell even if they want to, which exacerbates the supply shortage.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

He agrees that tech should help to “relieve humans of arduous, repetitive or dangerous tasks” and “provide intelligent support,” but also warns of growing A.I.-induced inequality, which exacerbates poverty and forced migration.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

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