Synonyms of growth
1
a(1)
: a stage in the process of growing : size
(2)
: full growth
reached his growth
b
: the process of growing
a substance that promotes the growth of new cells
c
: progressive development : evolution
the growth of a civilization
personal and emotional growth
d
: increase, expansion
the growth of the oil industry
2
a
: something that grows or has grown
a growth of willows
b
: an abnormal proliferation of tissue (such as a tumor)
c
d
: the result of growing : product
picking the garden's growth
a business that was a growth of the new field
3
: a producing especially by growing
fruits of his own growth
4
: anticipated progressive product of growing especially in capital value and income
Some investors prefer growth to immediate income.

Examples of growth in a Sentence

He had a growth spurt when he was 16 years old. She's concerned that the medication might slow her child's growth. He discovered a substance that promotes the growth of new blood vessels. The city has undergone explosive growth in recent years. He sees his college years as an opportunity for personal growth. It's important to prune the bush every year to encourage new growth. Their profits have averaged five percent growth in the last four years. The tree has an average annual growth of almost a foot. a thick growth of underbrush
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The growth of independent media in the Substack era has also created a generation of journalists who run both the business and editorial arms of their own small media outlets. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026 While population growth has long been a tailwind for growth and creditworthiness, falling fertility rates and unprecedented speed of changing age structures are now changing that picture, Moody’s writes. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026 As reported, Golden Goose continued to deliver strong growth in the first half of 2026, supported by an acceleration in its direct-to-consumer channel and double-digit gains across all regions. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026 Thailand, for instance, has seen national GDP growth slow to 2%, in part due to pressure from Chinese EVs and consumer goods. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for growth

Word History

Etymology

grow + -th entry 3

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of growth was in 1557

Cite this Entry

“Growth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
a
: stage or condition reached in growing : size
the dog hasn't reached full growth
b
: a process of growing especially through an increase in size or amount
a growth of wealth
good nutrition promotes growth
growth of a crystal
c
: a process of developing
the growth of civilization
2
: a result or product of growing
covered with a growth of mold
a thick growth of underbrush
3
: an abnormal mass of tissue (as a tumor or wart)

Medical Definition

1
a(1)
: a stage in the process of growing
(2)
: full growth
b
: the process of growing
2
a
: something that grows or has grown
b
: an abnormal proliferation of tissue (as a tumor)

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