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 This means installing lighting at multiple levels including ceiling lights, table and floor lamps, and wall sconces to augment any natural light. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 14 June 2025 Among the plans are having existing foot patrol officers augment the patrol division to increase response times and enhance visibility in business districts. Harry Harris, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 For lower-mass stars, which shine brightest in infrared, Gaia’s observations were augmented by data from NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer and the Spitzer Space Telescope. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 12 June 2025 Although their instrumental chops also strengthened, Wilson soon augmented the Boys with session musicians. Barry Walters, Billboard, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • The gap between the top 75th percentile and the bottom 25th percentile performers increased by 1.5 times in Q1 2025 compared to a year earlier, with market leaders continuing to charge ahead while the bottom 20% to 30% of the sector continued to report a reduction in growth.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 June 2025
  • In the long term, budget experts warn that an aging population and rising health care costs mean entitlement spending will gobble an increasing percentage of gross domestic product (GDP).
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Most significantly, 62% say their responsibilities have expanded significantly beyond their core reporting roles, with 37% reporting layoffs or buyouts at their organizations in the past year.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Hackers over the years have expanded their target list to include cities and municipalities, hospitals, hotels and casinos, as reported by CBS News' 60 Minutes.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Putting oneself in those situations that challenge conversational comfort zones and embracing discomfort, tension and unresolved conflicts accelerates growth significantly.
    Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
  • Throughout the 1960s, New York City’s financial sector boomed, yet simultaneously, poverty rates soared, deindustrialization accelerated, and housing costs skyrocketed.
    Daniel Wortel-London, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • According to the brand, snail mucin (aka: snail secretion filtrate) is a deeply hydrating skincare ingredient that gently exfoliates, soothes irritation, and boosts collagen production to fight wrinkles.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • The power of combination Wu pointed out that acetaminophen appears to boost the pain-relief properties of other medications.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Thoughtful packaging enhances brand perception, encourages repeat purchases and boosts word-of-mouth.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Some things in life are mood enhancing and for me one of those things are narrowing down the products that will make it in my suitcase for my summer excursions.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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