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.

There are confirmed cases among those who already left the boat and questions swirling over possible exposures on flights, pressuring U.S. health officials to escalate their strategy to halt its spread.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

That summer saw temperatures exceed 40C for the first time in parts of Britain, stretching fire services to their limits and highlighting how rising heat and dryness can rapidly escalate fire risk.

From BBC • May 6, 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

Signatories of the landmark nuclear non-proliferation treaty began a meeting Monday at the United Nations as fears of a renewed arms race escalate, with atomic powers again at loggerheads over safeguards.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Unfortunately, as Zambardino noted, “the errors multiply each other and can escalate rapidly to an unacceptable magnitude.”

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann