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 The pair’s initially stiff but gradually warm chats echo and augment those from Li’s previous screenplay, including bonding over an understanding of deep loneliness. Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2025 The results mirror our Middlebury findings: Globally, students who use AI tend to be more likely to use it to augment their coursework, rather than automate it. Germán Reyes, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025 This year, the state plans to augment its LIHEAP grant with more than $7 million in unused funds from past winter heating assistance efforts. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025 Each stack is a giant four-way horn speaker, 13 feet tall, encased in buttery yellow plywood, augmented by a handful of super tweeters hung from the ceiling over the dancefloor. Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • For example, an AI system used in agriculture would be evaluated not just for its ability to increase crop yields, but for its impacts on soil health, farmer autonomy, biodiversity, water usage, and community resilience.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Boomerang said park space has been increased in the new layout.
    John Tuohy, IndyStar, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Analyst’s Take Broadcom's VMware strategy prioritizes monetizing the existing customer base over expanding it.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Originally introduced in 2016, this sporty model has already been released in a handful of different configurations, but VC decided there was room to expand.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Driving impressions The Sportage hybrid accelerates well from a standstill.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • From Crisis to Control: The Three Phases of Crypto Tax Strategy By 2017, crypto still wasn’t mainstream, but adoption was accelerating.
    Patrick Camuso, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Last year’s results were boosted by a one-time gain of $0.14 per share from the sale of a facility, according to the earnings call.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The weather service said drier conditions and mostly clear skies through the weekend are expected to boost temperatures, pushing daytime highs between 102 and 106 degrees on Aug. 30 and 104 to 109 degrees on Aug. 31.
    AZCentral.com, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • His ongoing mission is to elevate public safety and rescue operations, using technology to enhance how communities respond to the needs of their most vulnerable citizens.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • What steps to follow when driving in the rain? Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on augment

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