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

Examples 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 Should your focus be on automation and cost-cutting, or augmenting human capabilities? Oguz A. Acar bob Bastian, Harvard Business Review, 31 Oct. 2024 The firm’s Khronos iPhone case ecosystem helps support budding mobile moviemakers: The case is small enough for everyday use, but can be augmented with add-ons, including filters, lights, and tripod mounts, thanks to its eight electronic contacts and nine quick-release mechanisms. Chris Stokel-Walker, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 The policy will require sustained commitment Wage supplements are not unique to child care, and governments have long used them to augment salaries of workers in fields like health care, home care, and agriculture. Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 28 Oct. 2024 Significant legislation is required to address this shortfall, but people looking to augment their savings have multiple options. Elizabeth Schulze, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for augment 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • During Trump’s first term, the Education Department enacted new regulations for the Borrower Defense to Repayment program that imposed new limits and restrictions for relief, and increased the burden of proof for applicants.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
  • Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum The Shark Stratos can detect unseen dirt and automatically increase suction power, while two brush rolls dig deep into carpet fibers and pick up everything along hard floors.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Her re-election sets Phoenix up to continue growing the burgeoning technology and health care industries, building sustainable infrastructure to combat climate change and expanding public transportation options.
    Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The United States expanded a resettlement program for Afghan refugees in 2021 to include journalists and humanitarian workers who had helped the United States.
    Trisha Mukherjee, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • All of it in the service of greater appreciation that might lead to better stewardship of a planet in peril as climate change accelerates and biodiversity declines.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Clear, actionable NDCs not only accelerate the energy transition but also attract the private sector funding required to meet the $1.3 trillion target.
    María Mendiluce, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • This reveals a key gap in the successful organizational adoption of AI, as 50% of IT leaders believe a responsible AI policy would boost their confidence in the technology.
    Patrick (PJ) Jean, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
  • After marking down the value of its investment in Elon Musk’s X repeatedly, Fidelity boosted its estimate last month for the social media platform, sources told Axios.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Perfect pairings: As an Eau de Toilette, Cherry Blossom benefits significantly from thoughtful layering to enhance its delicate nature and extend its presence throughout the day.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
  • This will allow telcos to establish themselves as trusted partners in their business customers’ digital transformation, enhancing engagement and boosting retention while remaining profitable, innovative and resilient for years to come.
    Carmen Ene, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near augment

Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on augment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!