EXACERBATED Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

exacerbated

verb

past tense of exacerbate

as in aggravated

to make more severe a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city's traffic problem

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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 exacerbated Governments usually include fatalities from heatstroke but not necessarily those from cardiovascular and respiratory ailments that are exacerbated by extreme temperatures. — Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026 The psychological effects of past Ebola outbreaks can persist long after the immediate crisis, according to WHO, often taking the form of anxiety and mood disorders, exacerbated by prolonged grief and discrimination. — Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 And competing internal metrics within different teams—such as subscription revenue versus store revenue—exacerbated the problem, said former employees. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 Concerns surrounding inflation have been exacerbated by a rise in crude oil prices following the start of the conflict in the Middle East earlier this year. — Sean Conlon,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026 The British Antarctic Survey researchers emphasize that future losses could be exacerbated if emissions are not reduced. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 The Santa Ana winds and hot temperatures have exacerbated fire danger in Southern California and forecasters say gusts will likely strengthen. — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 That reality doesn't change here and, in fact, it's exacerbated by Dell's use of the same laptop chassis. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 During the mid-2000s, some tribal members, enticed by a chance at life-changing money, got involved in moving people and drugs, fueling cycles of arrest and incarceration that exacerbated challenges the community was already facing. — Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacerbated

Verb

Edge rusher Myles Garrett aggravated a left knee injury and underwent surgery.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Outside linebackers Jalen Phillips (hamstring, aggravated from a week ago) and Thomas Incoom (calf) are being evaluated.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggravated

Verb

The friction has deepened since co-founder Reed Hastings stepped away from management, handing the reins in January 2023 to Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, who share the job of chief executive.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
The crisis at Manchester United deepened with a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League, while Italian champion Inter Milan needed two goals in stoppage time to regain the Serie A lead.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of deepened

Verb

Their decisions may be complicated by elections in Israel and the US, which could kickstart a return to conflict in the Middle East and drive energy prices even higher.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Bussard cares for her 42-year-old son, Alex, who has complicated medical needs since surviving a brain tumor and brain hemorrhage.

— Stephanie Dhue,Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of complicated

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exacerbated

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“Exacerbated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacerbated. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of exacerbated

verb

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