Exacerbate: meaning, definitions and examples

Utilized when describing a situation that is already bad and is being made even worse.

• His comments only served to exacerbate the tension between the groups.
• Using that tone will exacerbate the conflict.

Appropriate for situations where things deteriorate or get worse, often used in a straightforward manner.

• The patient's condition started to worsen after the surgery.
• Ignoring the problem will only worsen the situation.

Often used to describe making a bad situation worse, but can also refer to causing irritation or annoyance.

• The delay will only aggravate customer complaints.
• Don't aggravate him while he's working.

Used when something is being made more intense or stronger, commonly applied to emotions, actions, or conditions.

• The heat wave will intensify over the next few days.
• Her interest in the project only seemed to intensify after the meeting.

Usually means to stimulate a reaction or emotion, often anger or irritation.

• His rude comments are likely to provoke an angry response.
• The decision to cut funding has provoked controversy.

Refers to making something seem larger, better, or worse than it actually is, often in a deceptive or dramatic way.

• She tends to exaggerate her accomplishments.
• Don't exaggerate the problem; it's not that serious.