Want to say exacerbate differently? Here are other words for exacerbate and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of exacerbate
to make a problem or situation worse
Etymology of exacerbate
The word "exacerbate" comes from the Latin "exacerbare", which is a combination of "ex" (meaning "out" or "forth") and "acerbus" (meaning "sour" or "bitter")
Historically, the word has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the act of making something worse or more severe
Synonyms
aggravate
worsen
intensify
increase
heighten
escalate
inflame
irritate
provoke
annoy
vex
disturb
disrupt
complicate
worsen
deteriorate
impair
damage
harm
injure
exasperate
infuriate
enrage
incense
antagonize
inflame
inflame
kindle
fuel
fan
whip
stir
exacerbate
multiply
magnify
enlarge
expand
extend
prolong
prolongate
acerbate
sour
embitter
rankle
gall
grate
chafe
fret
irritate
vex
bother
trouble
plague
torment
harass
badger
bedevil
persecute
oppress
tyrannize
Definitions
- To make a problem, bad situation, or condition worse or more severe
- * To irritate or annoy someone, especially by doing or saying something that is likely to upset them
Usage Examples
- The new policy will exacerbate the existing housing shortage
- * Her comments only served to exacerbate the tension between the two groups
- * The hot weather will exacerbate the drought
Antonyms
alleviate
relieve
ease
soothe
calm
mitigate
moderate
soften
lessen
diminish
reduce
decrease
minimize
abate
assuage
pacify
placate
mollify
appease
quiet
still
tranquilize
sedate
anesthetize
numb
deaden
alleviate
allay
comfort
solace
console
cheer
hearten
encourage
uplift
improve
amend
rectify
reform
cure
heal
restore