accelerate

[ak-sel-uh-reyt] / ækˈsɛl əˌreɪt /

VERB

increase speed, timing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advance expedite further hasten open up quicken spur step up stimulate

STRONG

drive dust forward gun hurry impel precipitate railroad rev roll tool

WEAK

fire up hammer on lay a patch lay rubber make tracks nail it peel rubber put on afterburners put pedal to metal rev up speed up step on the gas

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block cease check delay discourage halt hinder slow stop

STRONG

dissuade repress wait

WEAK

decelerate defer impede postpone retard slow down

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.

Code-named Agent Albert, it is the culmination of an effort that began three years ago, when Benioff, galvanized by the debut of ChatGPT, instituted a standing Saturday meeting to accelerate Salesforce’s AI efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

In response to both lawsuits, DC Water said it was committed to the long-term rehabilitation of the Potomac Interceptor and is working to accelerate work on 2,700 feet of pipeline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Extending the waiver on Friday, the US said it wanted "to ensure oil is available to those ⁠who need it" as negotiations to end the war "accelerate".

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

“It will increase costs and increase the burden on others to organize their selves and accelerate the tendency toward regional supply chains.”

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

That wasn’t exactly a confidence builder for the man preparing to ride it into orbit, but it was the more powerful Atlas that would be required to accelerate the Mercury capsule to orbital velocity.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Vocabulary lists containing accelerate

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

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