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

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 And research has shown that skilled field trades like those that service the electric system stand to be augmented, not replaced, by artificial intelligence tools such as predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics. Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025 The companies building them are laying the groundwork for a future that’s more efficient and more resilient — and, if developed thoughtfully, one that augments work without losing the critical role people play. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025 Posen said there will be a series of drops over time to augment the collection. David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 The Dolphins augmented one of the league’s least accomplished cornerback units on Tuesday by agreeing to terms with veteran Rasul Douglas, who has 19 interceptions and 80 starts over nine seasons. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • Start with once daily, and if your skin can handle it, gradually increase to two or three times per week.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • When a La Niña phase occurs, less wind shear occurs in the regions of the Atlantic basin where tropical weather develops, increasing the potential for more storms, AccuWeather said.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Unrivaled Experiences Growth Spurt Unrivaled will expand ahead of its second season with the addition of two new clubs and a development player pool, the league announced Wednesday.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The panel issued over 100 recommendations, from limiting cash bail for misdemeanors to expanding racial equity training for prosecutors.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Department of War created a new task force in August to accelerate counter-drone development.
    Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The nanophotonic device could accelerate advances in communications, precision measurement, and even environmental monitoring.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By inserting an extra biochemical cycle into a model plant, the researchers boosted growth, seed yield, and fat production without increasing water demand.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Follow immediately with the second pad, packed with retinol and antioxidants to boost collagen and calm the skin.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The trio, working in tandem with a blend of 30 essential oils and extracts, comes together to condition hair follicles, relieve dry scalp, smooth split ends, and enhance hair elasticity.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That is, the group enables Hamas to be both arsonist and firefighter, enhancing its control and reach into the lives of average, everyday Palestinians in Gaza.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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!