How to Pronounce Exacerbate

To pronounce "exacerbate", say EX-ac-erb-at-e — 5 syllables, IPA /ɪkˈsæs-/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

exacerbate

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Accent

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5

Syllables

10

Letters

/ɪkˈsæs-/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “exacerbate”

"exacerbate" has 5 syllables: ex-ac-erb-at-e. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

What does exacerbate mean?

verb

  1. To make worse (a problem, bad situation, negative feeling, etc.); aggravate; exasperate.

    “The proposed shutdown would exacerbate unemployment problems.”

Hear “exacerbate” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with exacerbate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidatearticulatedesolatefacilitateprofligateexplicatedeliberatedelineateruminateinnatecultivatestate

Related words

aggravateexasperateworsendeterioratetoughenfomenttightenintensify

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "exacerbate"?▾

"Exacerbate" has 5 syllables: ex · ac · erb · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "exacerbate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "exacerbate" is /ɪkˈsæs-/.

What does "exacerbate" mean?▾

Exacerbate: To make worse (a problem, bad situation, negative feeling, etc.); aggravate; exasperate.

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