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 However, they are augmented with powerful AI engines and a large 32GB pool of RAM at an aggressive price. Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026 This is all about augmenting its oncology portfolio ahead of top-selling cancer drug Keytruda losing its patent protection in 2028. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026 Military exoskeleton development has been explored for years by several countries seeking to augment human endurance on the battlefield. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026 This was the first Dragon launch from SLC-40 since the addition of a crew access arm to support Dragon launches from more than one Space Coast pad and augment normal launches from KSC’s Launch Pad 39-A. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • Farmers had hoped to compensate for last year's losses, when farm bankruptcies increased for the second year in a row.
    Lana Zak, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The goal is to complete the project ahead of the FIFA World Cup, when traffic and pedestrian activity are expected to increase downtown.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • With the 2026 midterms approaching, sustained voter unease could reshape the broader electoral map and complicate Republican efforts to hold or expand their congressional margins.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But the department is looking to expand its authority.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At the height of the pandemic — when learning loss was accelerating and reading gaps were widening — the approval process was estimated to take six months to a year.
    Daniel L Gordon, Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In the long term, the supply shock may accelerate nuclear restarts and electric vehicle adoption faster than years of climate policy ever managed.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This time, there were more events scheduled − 3,300 versus 2,700 − and larger crowds reported in some places, boosted in part by opposition to the war in Iran.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Orr hired Campbell away from Oregon, where the coach’s mastery in recruiting helped boost the Ducks to national prominence.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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