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escalate

[es-kuh-leyt] / ˈɛs kəˌleɪt /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

China’s role in that mediation remains unclear, other than Beijing advising Iran not to escalate.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

He said U.S. forces would interdict vessels and clear potential mines, while also signaling a readiness to escalate militarily if needed.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

But crude benchmarks were struggling for direction on Monday, suggesting investors were shrugging off fears that the conflict in the Middle East could escalate amid reports of a potential peace plan.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Opening on an already wild scene where the family members are bickering at the hospital deathbed of Linda’s mother, the events of “Big Mistakes” escalate quickly and considerably.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

That’s when the Space Race began to escalate.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson




Vocabulary lists containing escalate