Another Word For Exacerbate

Meaning

The word "exacerbate" means to make a situation or problem worse or more severe. When you exacerbate something, you are increasing its intensity, seriousness, or unpleasantness.

Synonyms

• Aggravate
• Worsen
• Intensify
• Heighten
• Amplify

Antonyms

• Alleviate
• Mitigate
• Improve
• Lessen
• Relieve

Etymology

The word "exacerbate" comes from the Latin word "exacerbāre," which means "to irritate" or "make bitter." The prefix "ex-" means "out" or "from," while "acer" means "sharp" or "sour."

Examples

1. The heavy rainfall exacerbated the flooding in the area.
2. His careless comments only served to exacerbate the already tense situation.
3. Ignoring the warning signs can exacerbate health issues over time.
4. The economic downturn was exacerbated by global events beyond our control.
5. Using harsh chemicals can exacerbate skin problems rather than solve them.