Synonyms for

Exacerbated

Verb / ɪˈgzæsɜ:ˌbeɪtʌd / / ɪˈgzæsɜ:ˌbeɪtɪd / Another word for exacerbated — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make a situation worse; to irritate or provoke someone

Synonyms & similar words

aggravate worsen exasperate exacerbate better aggravate irritate worsen intensify provoke annoy bother exasperate harm inflame madden irk heighten exaggerate enrage further infuriate rouse amplify

Synonyms by register

Formal

aggravated intensified worsened compounded

Informal

made worse spurred on fueled stepped up

Literary

inflamed heightened fomented

Antonyms

alleviated eased lessened mitigated reduced soothed improved

Common collocations

  • exacerbated the situation
  • exacerbated by
  • exacerbated the problem
  • exacerbated tensions
  • exacerbated the crisis
  • exacerbated pain
  • exacerbated the conflict

Word family

noun exacerbation
verb exacerbate
adjective exacerbated

Usage note

This word is often used in formal contexts to describe making a bad situation, problem, or feeling worse. Be careful not to confuse it with 'exonerated', which means to be cleared of blame.

Example sentences

  1. His teasing only exacerbated the problem.
  2. She was already angry, but his comment just exacerbated her mood.
  3. The drought has exacerbated the water shortage in the area.
  4. The loud music exacerbated my headache.
  5. Her lack of sleep exacerbated her stress levels.

Quotes

  • The situation was already bad, but his words only exacerbated it.
  • Sometimes it's better to keep quiet than to exacerbate the situation.
  • He had a habit of exacerbating the tension in the room with his jokes.

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