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escalated

VERB

increase, be increased

Synonyms

STRONGEST

expand grow heighten intensify mount raise rise step up widen

STRONG

amplify ascend broaden climb enlarge extend magnify scale

WEAK

make worse

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline decrease diminish drop fall halt lessen lower reduce slow slump stop

STRONG

abridge compress condense contract curtail descend go down shorten shrink

WEAK

weaken

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.

Multiple aluminum smelters in the Middle East were forced to halt or reduce operations as the war in Iran escalated.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

The authorities escalated further, arresting Audias Flores, El Mencho's presumed successor, as well as his top accountant and other lieutenants.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Monday’s letter escalated her criticism and gives Disney potent ammunition to use in its legal battle against the FCC.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

It was later confirmed by Valverde himself and the situation is understood to have escalated on Thursday at Real's training base.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Carrie doesn’t seem to notice this; she’s just giddy that he’s come by, that she didn’t dream the whole IM exchange, that chatting has escalated into speaking...and who knows what will happen next?

From "Every Day" by David Levithan