1
as in to increase
to become greater in size, extent, volume, amount, or number
toy purchases accelerate dramatically during the Christmas season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to rush
to cause to move or proceed fast or faster
we accelerated preparations for the hurricane upon hearing weather reports that it had gained speed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to expand
to make greater in size, amount, or number
the company accelerated its advertising purchases even as the economy appeared to be in recession
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of accelerate
By dismantling that deal without a viable replacement, the administration effectively cleared the path for Iran to resume and accelerate its nuclear program.
—
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Then the four front propellers tilted forward, and the aircraft accelerated, no longer hanging on its rotors like a helicopter but cruising on its wings like a small airplane.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026
The growing season is short, but it’s offset by the long summer days that extend periods of photosynthesis and accelerate growth.
—Karen Gardiner, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
The statute has been invoked for everything from accelerating production of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic to increasing supplies of baby formula during a national shortage.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accelerate
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Then the four front propellers tilted forward, and the aircraft accelerated, no longer hanging on its rotors like a helicopter but cruising on its wings like a small airplane.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026
The growing season is short, but it’s offset by the long summer days that extend periods of photosynthesis and accelerate growth.
—Karen Gardiner, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
The statute has been invoked for everything from accelerating production of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic to increasing supplies of baby formula during a national shortage.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accelerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accelerate
Verb
-
Water testing has been temporarily increased to once a month at the Oceanside Harbor after someone reported seeing a suspicious liquid dumped from a boat.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
This sprawling, unchecked population growth just increases water demand.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And in 2024, 38 of the 40 edge-rushing prospects had longer arms; the only ones to measure shorter were a pair of twins from UCLA — Gabriel and Grayson Murphy — neither of whom is on an NFL roster.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Policymakers in Illinois must know that rushing to judgment, as these professors suggest, will do immeasurable harm to children across our state for generations.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Moon moves through your 9th House of Perspective, expanding how your ideas are received.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
At Fremantle, Katrosar built and expanded a global advertising business across streaming, broadcast, social and branded partnerships.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But they are expected to rise with tightening supplies of fuel and fertilizer.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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To address rising demand of lithium The USGS projects that global production capacity will double by 2029 to address rising demand from technology companies.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Its prices are pushing up airfares, baggage fees and add-on charges.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Some lawmakers also want legislation that could push back on Selig’s offensive by affirming states’ authority to rein in the platforms.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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These watercraft are meant to augment the Navy's ability to spot and track other ships.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2026
-
These watercraft are meant to augment the Navy’s ability to spot and track other ships.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Veneers and crowns can cause temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort, while implants may lead to swelling and soreness in the first few days.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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While a warm, four-bar bassline chugs alongside dubby stabs and bouncy swells, BEA1991’s vocals switch from nonchalant monotone to falsetto in a way that sounds like an involuntary yelp of joy.—
Reid BG,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Iran war has hastened calls for greater industrial investment on the continent to reduce its reliance on imports.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
When that happened, Gala started rebalancing the in-game economy and shrinking TOWN distributions, reducing profits for existing players and hastening an economic death spiral.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accelerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accelerate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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