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
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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
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Recent Examples of accretion
Some astrophysicists argue that matter accretion — a process in which massive objects pull in surrounding matter — alone can produce massive stars, and that studies using observations from the James Webb telescope cannot distinguish between massive ordinary stars and less dense, cooler dark stars.
—
Alexey A. Petrov, The Conversation, 25 Nov. 2025
Stichter met with management recently and believes that the initial accretion range is close to being achievable.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
The observations detected a puzzling event as the planet transitioned from a steady accretion rate in April and May to a burst of growth between June and August.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
The analysts upgraded their models post-Discover merger for accretion potential.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Alexey A. Petrov, The Conversation, 25 Nov. 2025
Stichter met with management recently and believes that the initial accretion range is close to being achievable.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
The observations detected a puzzling event as the planet transitioned from a steady accretion rate in April and May to a burst of growth between June and August.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
The analysts upgraded their models post-Discover merger for accretion potential.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accretion
Noun
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That front could spark a few brief rain or snow showers Sunday afternoon or early evening, mainly north and west of Philadelphia, with little to no accumulation expected.—
Andrew Kozak,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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That would encourage new peat accumulation and carbon sequestration.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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When air temperature increases in the summer, a spider plant’s soil can dry out faster.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
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The weather is a major factor leading to price increases for the top two increases in our cart.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Many of Le Bop’s items come in solid colors, which are excellent for capsule wardrobe pieces, but one standout in the collection is this cheetah-print cardigan.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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Even Vladimir Nabokov organized the butterfly collection at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, though that’s an example of work that’s even more ethereal than poetry.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Investors also foresee the strain in China-Japan relations benefitting spending on South Korean businesses, leading to gains for Korean retail and consumer stocks, according to Bloomberg.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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The Texans stifled the Steelers rushing attack and harassed Aaron Rodgers so extensively — sacking him four times, hitting him 12 times — that the future Hall of Fame quarterback scarcely had time to wait for plays to develop and repeatedly dumped the ball off for short gains.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Werner will be a welcome addition to the Quakes’ attack after the departure of Josef Martinez to Tijuana.—
Mercury News,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
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In addition to gentle ribbing, the coat also captivated commenters.—
Perrie Samotin,
Glamour,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The city was already buzzing Friday night with both Bears and Packers fans, as the return of the NFL's oldest rivalry is a boost to spirits and business.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
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To be sure, how much of a boost beneficiaries see depends on the size of their current benefits.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accretion. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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