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
Over time, through a natural process known as accretion, the river slowly deposited the material that now forms Sawmill Island.
—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
Over time, through a natural process known as accretion, the river slowly deposited the material that now forms Sawmill Island.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accretion
Noun
-
James sat out to rest his accumulation of minor injuries in his 23rd NBA season, but Doncic picked up any offensive slack from the start.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Plows were able to stay ahead of the accumulation, and the main roads were mostly clear, aided by a hangover of warm temperatures from Thursday.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This represents a sixfold increase when compared with the last 16 months of the Biden administration, according to the analysis.—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
But there are ways to push that increase higher if needed.—
Mark Dee
March 6,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Oppenheimer relied on past news stories about Blume, as well as a collection of her work and professional correspondences that are archived at Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library and, probably most informatively, his own interviews with Blume and her friends and family.—
Whitney Friedlander,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Also be excited for the fashion show featuring an eclectic collection of women’s clothing and accessories in collaboration with local and international designers in Solana Beach.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In fact, JPMorgan has already deployed a large language model used by 150,000 employees weekly, and CEO Jamie Dimon acknowledged that productivity gains from AI could mean the bank will employ fewer people in the coming years.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Consuming too much protein can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, and displacing other important nutrients like fiber.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The gift was designated to further advance and highlight essential and high-level glioblastoma research at UC San Diego, in addition to inspiring others to follow suit and ultimately contribute to this critical and developing area of medical research.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The addition of Crosby was supposed to be the piece to help lift the Ravens over the top, with the draft picks expected to be part of a rebuilding effort for the Raiders.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lincoln also got a huge boost from the return of all-state guard Jada Patterson, who tore her ACL in the summer but was able to play in the playoffs.—
Greg Riddle,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Lots of layers don’t automatically give limp hair an instant boost.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accretion. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
