1
as in accumulation
a mass or quantity that has piled up or that has been gathered over a period of time
a thick accretion of ice in a freezer that obviously had not been cleaned for some time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in increase
something added (as by growth)
accretions of lime have thickened the cave's stalactites and stalagmites over the centuries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 accretion
There’s also the potential for a trace of ice accretion.
—
Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
The two women’s stories crystallize only gradually in the course of the feature, through the accretion of tiny details that, like the arrival of the hostess in the first shot, emerge amid a profusion of related distractions.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Current models of super-Eddington accretion predict that these features should be weakened or absent when growth becomes so extreme.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026
The law allows the department’s board to grant land along rivers that have moved through accretion to an adjacent landowner, as long as the owner agrees to keep it as a public right-of-way.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
The two women’s stories crystallize only gradually in the course of the feature, through the accretion of tiny details that, like the arrival of the hostess in the first shot, emerge amid a profusion of related distractions.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Current models of super-Eddington accretion predict that these features should be weakened or absent when growth becomes so extreme.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026
The law allows the department’s board to grant land along rivers that have moved through accretion to an adjacent landowner, as long as the owner agrees to keep it as a public right-of-way.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accretion
Noun
-
Sitting out against Toluca on Wednesday due to a one-match suspension for yellow-card accumulation, playmaker Denis Bouanga should log minutes this weekend for LAFC (6-2-2, 20 points).—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
Denis Bouanga could also be involved from the start after missing the Toluca match because of yellow-card accumulation.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
As a result, the mid-nineteenth century witnessed a dramatic increase in the creation of posts, including among tribes that had not typically made them before.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
The longer the increases persist, the greater the risk that higher gas prices will translate into higher costs for other goods that rely on fuel for transportation.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The result was a collection of photographs that both capture the culture and the people of Mexico and record Hurst’s particular proclivities, the food that fed his hungry eye.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Notable items from their collections include Charlotte’s Prada coat from the Spring 2023 Menswear collection and Miranda’s vintage Issey Miyake coat.—
Kailyn Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Running back Anthony Woods was a standout on the white team, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a six-yard run and going for multiple big gains early.—
Sean Campbell,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
With that gain, the Dow Industrials component is up more than 55% in 2026 — on track for its eighth straight winning year.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
In addition to racking up points with your favorite hotel brands or airlines, Orbitz offers exclusive members-only prices that save you money on current and future reservations.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In addition, the complex would have 79 one-family homes for sale.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Lumentum , up a staggering 158% this year, could also get a post-earnings boost.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
Even more favorable financing terms with suppliers, or not having to pay to license foreign intellectual property, gives them a real boost, according to analysts.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accretion. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
