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.
But crude benchmarks were struggling for direction on Monday, suggesting investors were shrugging off fears that the conflict in the Middle East could escalate amid reports of a potential peace plan.
From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026
"There's danger that they will escalate situations or respond very aggressively in... tense situations," he said.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
Opening on an already wild scene where the family members are bickering at the hospital deathbed of Linda’s mother, the events of “Big Mistakes” escalate quickly and considerably.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
If the conflict continues to escalate, with growing economic costs and American casualties, Mr. Trump might respond with unconventional escalations of his own.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
“And you were trying to hurt their feelings. That’s the problem with stuff like this—everyone keeps trying to top one another, and then things escalate out of control.”
From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio
Vocabulary lists containing escalate
This Week in Words: September 25 - October 1, 2017
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This Week in Words: October 22 - 27, 2017
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Higher Learning: Synonyms For "Up"
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