increase

1 of 2

verb

increased; increasing

intransitive verb

1
: to become progressively greater (as in size, amount, number, or intensity)
2
: to multiply by the production of young

transitive verb

1
: to make greater : augment
2
obsolete : enrich
increasable
in-ˈkrē-sə-bəl How to pronounce increase (audio)
ˈin-ˌkrē-
adjective
increaser noun

increase

2 of 2

noun

1
: the act or process of increasing: such as
a
: addition or enlargement in size, extent, or quantity
b
obsolete : propagation
2
: something that is added to an original stock or amount by augmentation or growth (such as offspring, produce, profit)
Phrases
on the increase
: becoming greater (as in size, number, or amount) : increasing
crime is on the increase
Choose the Right Synonym for increase

increase, enlarge, augment, multiply mean to make or become greater.

increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity

his waistline increased with age

; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition.

increased her landholdings

enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Examples of increase in a Sentence

Verb The house increased in value. She increased her wealth substantially. Noun an increase in life expectancy The employees expect some increase in wages. The construction will probably cause some increase in traffic delays. The report showed increases of between 20 and 30 percent. an increase of three dollars
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The program has had some success in preventing drug addiction and increasing self-awareness and self-esteem through cultural awareness. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 Saturday should see a good amount of sun while clouds may increase on Sunday, with a chance of showers. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 Moreover, total domestic crude stocks increased by 1.3 million barrels to 448.5 million barrels. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 11 Mar. 2024 When pressed, power output can be increased briefly, reaching a maximum of 1,093 horsepower for a zero to sixty time of as little as 2.1 seconds. Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Reimbursement for primary care, obstetrics and certain kinds of mental health services were increased starting Jan. 1. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 Among the points cited: Disney’s board has authorized $3 billion in stock repurchases in fiscal year 2024 and increased the cash dividend to shareholders to 45 cents/share payable in July (up 50% from the January dividend). Todd Spangler, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 Lyon plans to introduce a similar measure and the German city of Tübingen increased the cost of resident parking permits 600% for combustion vehicles that weigh over 1.8 metric tons. Chris Morris, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 If there's no jackpot winner, the cash prize will increase by millions. USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024
Noun
When the data is limited to K-12 campuses, the increase is even more marked. John D. Harden, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 In each year since, the airport has rebounded, with increases of 72%, 20% and 2023’s almost 11%. David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 The increase in corporate profits tracks with what’s expected to happen when prices rise due to supply and demand imbalances, said Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the US Chamber of Commerce. Tami Luhby, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Despite the price tag more than doubling in size from its initial 2014 estimate, the San Jose BART extension is facing yet another cost increase — $600 million — and time delay, according to new a federal report. Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Drivers may see an increase in traffic on roads that can be used in place of the lateral. The Enquirer, 11 Mar. 2024 Much of the increase in emissions came from China, and most of it was driven by century-old technologies, such as the internal-combustion engine. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2024 Amidst the current backdrop, WPM stock has seen little change, moving slightly from levels of $40 in early January 2021 to around $40 now, vs. an increase of about 35% for the S&P 500 over this roughly 3-year period. Trefis Team, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Since opening, The Exchange has seen year-over-year sales increase by over 25%, Franceschelli said. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'increase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English encresen, from Anglo-French encreistre, from Latin increscere, from in- + crescere to grow — more at crescent

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of increase was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near increase

Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/increase. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

increase

1 of 2 verb
increased; increasing
1
: to make or become greater
increase speed
skill increases with practice
2
: to become more numerous by the production of young

increase

2 of 2 noun
1
: the act of increasing
2
: something added (as by growth)

More from Merriam-Webster on increase

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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