increase

1 of 2

verb

in·​crease in-ˈkrēs  ˈin-ˌkrēs 

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 

ˈin-ˌkrē-

adjective

increaser noun

increase

2 of 2

noun

in·​crease ˈin-ˌkrēs  in-ˈkrēs 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• expand
• boost
• augment
• raise
• multiply
• extend
• enhance

Noun

• boost
• gain
• addition
• raise
• rise

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

Establishing a medical school here is expected to increase the likelihood of graduates practicing in the area, while addressing a national shortage of physicians. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025

Research from the study Embrace the Sun with Dr. Grant Lambert shows brain serotonin production increases along with several other health benefits linked directly to sunlight exposure. —Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Noun

Spike in Civilian Deaths The United Nations has reported a sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine. —Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

For example, parking within 30 feet of a stop sign will cost $73 under the increase, up from $70. —Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing increase

• on the increase

Rhymes for increase

• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice
• cerise
• decease
• decrease
• eyepiece
• facepiece
• handpiece
• headpiece
• mouthpiece

Kids Definition

increase

1 of 2 verb

in·​crease in-ˈkrēs  ˈin-ˌkrēs 

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

in·​crease ˈin-ˌkrēs  in-ˈkrēs 

1

: the act of increasing

2

: something added (as by growth)