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 Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and now-healthy running back Keaton Mitchell should augment a unit that was arguably the best in the NFL last season. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 28 July 2025 The Dolphins augmented their weakest position by signing two veteran cornerbacks - Jack Jones and Mike Hilton. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 July 2025 This is among the greatest strengths of AI—augmenting human capabilities. Hank Boughner, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 The Royals must win games and remain in the playoff mix in order to keep their current roster together — and perhaps even augment it. Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • FEMco is dedicated to creating opportunities for female artists to increase their visibility and reach via events, sponsorships and more.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Trump also targeted Walmart after the retailer warned its prices would increase to absorb the cost of his tariffs.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Apple Cinemas has expanded its partnership with Imax by signing a deal for five premium screens with laser projection.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The Visual Media & Platform division, which includes anime and mobile content in Japan, also expanded.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Toucan’s carbon pool grew 400% in 2024 as institutional ESG demand accelerated.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The public fight between medicine and government is now accelerating the nation onto a path where advice diverges over not just COVID shots but vaccines generally.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • For example, platforms like Perplexity now allow users to buy items (e.g., concert tickets, travel) directly within chat using PayPal or Venmo, without having to visit external sites and frictionless payments are simplifying the buying process to boost conversion rates and reduce cart abandonment.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Sometimes, a major hit will boost revenue during the off-season.
    Sophie Caldwell Lauren Shamo, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The theory is that each of these tax rates distinctly discourages the production and the seizing of initiative in the economy; therefore, cutting them enhances economic activity to an uncommon degree.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Part of that facelift involved enhancing the fan experience, since taxpayers contributed $135 million overall to the project and 57% of ticket holders are either new fans or attended for the first time in 2024.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on augment

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