Definition of augmentnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb augment contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of augment are enlarge, increase, and multiply. While all these words mean "to make or become greater," augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

When is it sensible to use enlarge instead of augment?

The words enlarge and augment can be used in similar contexts, but enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

When might increase be a better fit than augment?

In some situations, the words increase and augment are roughly equivalent. However, increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition.

his waistline increased with age
increased her landholdings

Where would multiply be a reasonable alternative to augment?

While in some cases nearly identical to augment, multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of augment During the 2025 Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, an Ohio-class boat was called upon to augment B-2 bomber strikes. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 Today’s large language models may be reminiscent of the ATMs of the 1980s—powerful tools that automate certain tasks but augment many more, making workers more productive and leaving the broader structure of work largely intact. Adam Schickling, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 The iROSA wings sit forward of the legacy solar arrays, augmenting their electricity generation rather than replacing it. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026 These arguments highlight how Care AI can augment our social capacity to care, alleviating the care crisis, while reducing the caregiving burden on women. Marianne Cooper, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • Traffic through the strait is beginning to increase, but remains sharply depressed.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Boston increased its lead to 6-4 in the sixth on an RBI triple from Abreu when right fielder Jung Hoo Lee misplayed a line drive.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Spotify announced plans to expand its own AI labeling, focusing on telling users when an artist is artificial rather than specific songs.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Longtime American soccer reporter Pablo Maurer’s story outlines a potential 20-team competition that expands the postseason field by two while also adding incentives for teams to finish higher in the table.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Broadcom sits roughly 50% below its average Wall Street price target while the AI infrastructure build-out continues to accelerate.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The trend of declining foreign enrollment could accelerate after recent changes to decades-old policies limiting the ability of visa holders to change majors, switch schools and remain in the US after graduation.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • And a growing number of cisgender men are turning to testosterone-boosting supplements and synthetic testosterone, often delivered via injections, gels or patches, in a bid to up their levels.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026
  • While returning to work can be a balm that boosts self-esteem and social support, the transition can also be stressful.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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