augment

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 Still, the Oilers have Emberson in a depth role and then augmented the blue line last March by adding Jake Walman — at the cost of a 2026 first-round pick. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 To enhance the verisimilitude of his wraparound segment, Cheel augments the fictional story of alien-contact footage discovered at a yard sale with nonfiction asides about UFO culture. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025 So, think about a core legacy ERP system that can then be augmented with point of sale data or supply-chain data that allows for different types of insights to be gleaned and operations to be managed in a more effective way. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 Many allies are already increasing defense spending and augmenting their military capabilities, but this is only a start. Mariano-Florentino CuÉllar, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • Investors cheered the improbable rise of the amateur heavy metal drummer and hard-line conservative, who’s expected to increase defense spending, cut taxes, and revive Japan’s nuclear power industry.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The salt in your food can increase fluid retention in your kidneys, potentially leading to elevated blood pressure,’’ said Pianko.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By platforming industry experts and passionate entrepreneurs, Ducard is helping Pinterest expand into new arenas.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Following its successful launch earlier this year, Virtuosa — the vintage-nodding, heirloom-like collection which introduced the precious and durable platinum among Atelier VM’s metals — is expanded to earrings and a couple of necklaces including a light point.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The partnership aims to accelerate the path to commercial fusion energy by using AI to simulate and improve control of the superhot plasma that will fuel the machine.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Still, many within the nuclear energy industry are hopeful that utilizing federal and public lands would accelerate the buildout of new reactors by reducing delays often encountered throughout the state and federal permitting process.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Boys soccer In a Catholic Central contest, Sam Shaghalian scored twice to boost Bishop Feehan to a 3-1 win over Cardinal Spellman.
    Kristina Banahan, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
  • And author and political commentator Steve Phillips announced his independent committee to boost Tubbs in next year’s statewide elections has so far raised $2 million of a $4 million goal by the end of the year.
    Kate Wolffe October 17, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Winning so frequently while ranking second on the Betrayal Index enhances Mayfield's MVP credentials.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer is one of the best hair dryers for curly hair due to its diffuser, comb, and concentrator attachments that enhance types 2A to 4C hair, as well as its accommodating selection of heat and airflow settings.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on augment

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