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 Every solution is designed to augment human expertise rather than replace it, ensuring AI strengthens decision-making while maintaining accountability, transparency, and trust. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The network will augment and replace communications relay capacity currently provided by NASA’s aging science orbiters at Mars to link ground controllers with the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers exploring the Martian surface. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 That will soon be augmented by the Silent Generation, which will pass on much of their $20 trillion to their boomer kids. Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 That means redesigning processes and workflows alongside the technology, investing in new skills and creating a culture where employees understand how AI can augment their work rather than simply automate it. Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • By increasing the carrier density in the neighbouring graphene bilayer, the team progressively weakened the Coulomb interactions between electrons in the magic-angle graphene.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The cores or plugs removed from the lawn during aeration actually increase the success of overseeding by providing more direct contact between the seeds and the soil.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The View From Beijing In a departure from business strategies of the past, this current cohort of Chinese companies has a mandate to expand internationally, according to academic Karim Alwadi, based in Beijing.
    Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Opened on New Year’s Day in 1926, the hotel was expanded by famed society architect Maurice Fatio, who managed to maintain intimacy despite imposing a larger footprint.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Liu pointed to China’s 2025 Global AI Governance Action Plan, which calls for accelerating construction of clean power, next-generation networks, computing capacity and data centers.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, fewer researchers seek material that could accelerate innovation, and fewer countries are willing to share it.
    Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Investing in infrastructure to boost revenue streams is wise, particularly at a club with no shareholders to act as benefactors.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Avio is looking to boost the pace of Vega-C rocket flights to six missions per year, roughly double the current level, and potentially go another 50 percent higher, Aviation Week reports.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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