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.
"Once demands escalate to the point of calling for a resignation, there's no backing down. It becomes more of a war of attrition," she said.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
US Central Command also said it was not seeking to escalate the conflict.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
Both are classic ways in which crises slip out of control and wars escalate.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Oil prices whipsawed after Trump’s announcement before moving higher, as traders tried to gauge whether the plan would restart shipping through one of the world’s most vital energy chokepoints—or escalate tensions with Tehran.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 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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