augment

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 One aspect that may have augmented the funds’ difficulties. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026 Guards who monitor comings and goings at the high school were augmented by local sheriff’s deputies. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026 Finally, the defanging of the Iranian menace would also significantly augment the collective strength and abilities of the West with respect to China, which relies heavily on Iranian oil. Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026 Nielsen’s report captures an analysis of its national TV panel data, augmented by streaming platform ratings, from September 29 to December 28 of last year. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • Call-out rates have increased at some airports, leading to longer screening times for many passengers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • As temperatures swell, so too does the cooling demand which can increase the strain on the power grid of an entire region.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • While the senator comes to the position after more than a dozen years in Congress, and with the management experience of running an expanding family plumbing business in Oklahoma, he has not been seen as a key force in immigration issues.
    Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
  • When that happens, Stanley hopes the itinerary will expand beyond Dilworth, NoDa and Plaza Midwood.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • According to the South China Morning Post, the China Ship Scientific Research Centre in Wuxi is accelerating its timeline to dominate deep-sea tourism.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The award also honors schools across the state that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The formula pairs propolis—known for its soothing, glow-boosting properties—with niacinamide, which helps support the skin barrier, calm visible redness, and bring out that soft, lit-from-within radiance.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Justin Njinmah scored in off the far post for Werder Bremen to beat Wolfsburg 1-0 away and boost its survival chances at the home team’s expense.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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