Escalate is a synonym of swell.

As verbs the difference between escalate and swell

is that escalate is to increase (something) in extent or intensity; to intensify or step up while swell is to become bigger, especially due to being engorged.

As a noun swell is

the act of swelling.

As an adjective swell is

excellent.

Older is a related term of firstborn.

As adjectives the difference between older and firstborn

is that older is (old), elder, senior while firstborn is born as the first one in a family, flock or the like.

As a noun firstborn is

the first child to be born to a parent or family.

Total is a related term of reckoning.

As nouns the difference between total and reckoning

is that total is an amount obtained by the addition of smaller amounts while reckoning is the action of calculating or estimating something.

As verbs the difference between total and reckoning

is that total is to add up; to calculate the sum of while reckoning is .

As an adjective total

is entire; relating to the whole of something.

As adjectives the difference between fatal and disastrous

is that fatal is proceeding from, or appointed by, fate or destiny while disastrous is of the nature of a disaster; calamitous.

As a noun fatal

is a fatality; an event that leads to death.

As adjectives the difference between lasting and sturdy

is that lasting is persisting for an extended period of time while sturdy is of firm build; stiff; stout; strong.

As nouns the difference between lasting and sturdy

is that lasting is continuance; endurance while sturdy is a disease in sheep and cattle, marked by great nervousness, or by dullness and stupor.

As a verb lasting

is present participle of lang=en.

Sully is a related term of smirch.

As verbs the difference between sully and smirch

is that sully is to soil or stain; to dirty while smirch is to.

As a noun smirch is

dirt.

Obdurate is a related term of wrongheaded.

As adjectives the difference between obdurate and wrongheaded

is that obdurate is stubbornly persistent, generally in wrongdoing; refusing to reform or repent while wrongheaded is having an obstinately (persistently, stubbornly) perverse/erroneous opinion or judgement.

Stern is a related term of uncharitable.

As a noun stern

is a star; a small luminous dot that can be seen on the night sky.

As an adjective uncharitable is

not charitable.

As nouns the difference between philanthropy and donation

is that philanthropy is benevolent altruism with the intention of increasing the well-being of mankind while donation is a voluntary gift or contribution for a specific cause.

Salutary is a related term of qualified.

As adjectives the difference between salutary and qualified

is that salutary is effecting or designed to effect an improvement; remedial: salutary advice while qualified is meeting the standards, requirements, and training for a position.

As a verb qualified is

(qualify).