exacerbating

verb

present participle of exacerbate
as in worsening
to make more severe a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exacerbating This has ultimately led to longer waiting times to dock at the port, further exacerbating shipping delays. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 11 Aug. 2026 Thus the state’s irresponsible fiscal games are exacerbating the chronic financial problems that school systems face, including those in Sacramento and Los Angeles. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 For the global economy, Russia’s war compromised the global supply chain for fuel and food, exacerbating post-pandemic inflation pressures. — Lidia Pilecky, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 But a trio of economists, including former IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath, insist that appreciation could worsen Chinese deflation and further reduce demand for foreign goods, exacerbating imbalances. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Bader, a memorable but injury-plagued trade deadline acquisition for the Phillies in 2025, reportedly rammed his scooter into a fire truck early Sunday morning, exacerbating a pre-existing foot injury. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 Venezuela’s fragile health care system had been deteriorating for years before two powerful earthquakes rattled the South American nation last month, killing more than 5,000 people and further exacerbating its ongoing health crisis. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 31 July 2026 Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness especially in southeastern Europe, making the region more vulnerable to health impacts and wildfires. — ABC News, 22 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbating
  1. worsening
  2. deepening
  3. complicating
Verb
  • Faced with a tight supply of interceptors and worsening attacks on its cities, Kyiv has been pressing Washington to co-produce the Patriot system.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Climate change is worsening extreme summer heat, something that more trees can ease.
    — Len Maniace, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of worsening
Verb
  • In her new role, the company said Kanemitsu will oversee its strategic vision and day-to-day operations across Japan, focusing on accelerating customer success, deepening partner relationships and driving regional growth.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Lake Mead, the reservoir on the Arizona-Nevada border that is a crucial source of water for the American Southwest, sank to its record-lowest levels in the past week, raising concerns about deepening water supply cuts affecting millions of people.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepening
Verb
  • Advertisement But, again, this result in Michigan may be a complicating factor as Democrats try to figure out their next leaders.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The president's backing typically carries significant weight in Republican politics, but there could be a complicating factor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicating

Browse Nearby Words

exacerbates
exacerbating
exact
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Cite this Entry

“Exacerbating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbating. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exacerbating

Nglish: Translation of exacerbating for Spanish Speakers

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