acerbate

Turn someone sour

To acerbate is to make something harsh, bitter, or more severe—to aggravate or exasperate.

The word overlaps with exacerbate but carries a sharper edge, suggesting sourness or irritation: His dismissive tone only acerbated her frustration.

Rarely used; most speakers reach for exacerbate instead.

irritate

annoy

Cause mild irritation

vexTo irritate persistently
irkTo mildly vex
provokeIncite a response

exasperate · infuriate · aggravate · nettle · pique · peeve · gall · rankle · chafe · rile

worsen

aggravate

Make more severe

intensifyIncrease in degree
escalateIncrease in severity
compoundCombined into one

heighten · amplify · inflame · deepen · magnify · deteriorate · decline · degrade · impair · undermine

embitter

gall

Impudent boldness or bitterness

resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
acrimonyBitter ill will
rancorLasting bitter resentment

animosity · hostility · bile · cynicism · spite · malice · vexation · indignation · antipathy · enmity

Opposites

emotional effect on others

acerbatesoothe

Gently ease discomfort

calm · appease · placate · pacify · mollify

taste/sensory quality

acerbatesweeten

Add sugar to

mellow · soften · honeyed

Family

exacerbate, exacerbation, exacerbated, exacerbates, exacerbating, exacerbations

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G