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 As early as the 1950’s, in-ear hearing aids were attached to glasses by a wire for style and discretion and could augment both hearing and vision. Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 23 July 2025 Cornerback can somehow be augmented in seven weeks before the season starts. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025 Finally, in an effort to create new exhibition spaces around the Wadsworth, a new acquisition has been hung prominently in the rotunda outside the museum cafe on the first level augmented by a panoramic mural and a related kids activity. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025 Choose solutions that augment human intelligence—leveraging AI, behavioral science and automation to unlock capacity, not just cut costs. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • Decades of research and studies in agriculture have increased production across all crops in the U.S., said James, and cannabis can adopt those same technologies.
    Julie Weed, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Further research is needed to expand our knowledge of the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiome.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
  • The plan laid out in Tuesday’s staff report proposed a ballot measure that would expand protections for thousands of acres of open space across Irvine.
    Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Starvation Much of Gaza has been reduced to a wasteland during more than 21 months of war and there are fears of accelerating starvation.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • Our graduates will now re-enter the market faster, prepared to hit the ground running and accelerate their careers.
    Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Visualizing a positive outcome can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
    Jason Richmond, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Trump has argued that lower interest rates would boost growth and reduce borrowing costs.
    Nik Popli, Time, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Senate Bill 6, authored by Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, seeks to bolster grid reliability, enhance outage protections for residential consumers, adjust transmission cost allocations and improve ERCOT's load forecasting transparency.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Moreover, while improving soil health and biodiversity, ranchers can enhance productivity.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on augment

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