Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Exacerbate
To make something worse; to aggravate or intensify a problem or situation.
verbCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
Instead of trying to apply the brake to slow down the car, the driver pressed the gas pedal and caused the car to accelerate, resulting in unnecessary death in the accident.
🔊
Sounds Like
ek-SAS-er-bayt
👀
Looks Like
ex-acerbate (contains 'acerb' meaning bitter) or resembles 'accelerate' in sound but not meaning
📝
Remember This
When you exacerbate a problem, you make it worse. The word often appears in discussions of health, finance, or conflicts where a minor issue becomes more severe due to additional actions.
📚
Other Forms
exacerbatingverb
exacerbatesverb
exacerbatedverb
exacerbationnoun
exacerbatoryadjective
🔗
Connect With
worsen, aggravate, inflame, intensify, heighten
📌
Note
Exacerbate is a transitive verb and requires a direct object (e.g., 'to exacerbate a problem'). Do not confuse with 'exaggerate' (to overstate) or with 'exhaust' (to tire).
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The drought exacerbates water shortages in the region.
- His careless comments exacerbated tensions between the two groups.
Synonyms
worsenaggravateintensifyamplifyheighten
Antonyms
alleviateamelioratemitigate
Etymology
From Latin exacerbare (to make bitter, irritate), from acerbus 'bitter, harsh' + -are (verb suffix).
Mnemonic
EX-ACER-BATE: ex = out, acer = bitter/harsh, bate = make. Remember that exacerbating a problem means making it out-bitter or more severe.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Receptive
adjectiveWilling to consider or receive new ideas, signals, or feedback; open to information and influence.
Eradicate
verbTo remove or destroy completely, especially something harmful or unwanted, by rooting it out or eliminating it entirely.
Applaud
verbTo clap one's hands in praise, approval, or admiration; to express praise publicly.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.