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increase

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb increase contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of increase are augment, enlarge, and multiply. While all these words mean "to make or become greater," 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

When would augment be a good substitute for increase?

The words augment and increase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

In what contexts can enlarge take the place of increase?

While in some cases nearly identical to increase, enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

Where would multiply be a reasonable alternative to increase?

The words multiply and increase can be used in similar contexts, but 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 increase
Verb
But the amount most ACA consumers pay out of pocket will increase at a faster rate with the pandemic subsidies expiring. Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025 In 2023, China took the top spot from the US on a Nature database ranking countries and institutions on their contribution to high-quality science, and its lead increased hugely last year. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
There was excessive growth of microtubules that wasn’t caused by an increase in gene activity, but likely due to the cells failing to clear away old or misfolded proteins. New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2025 Certain enrollees, such as early retirees with modest incomes, face much larger increases, health experts said. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • In addition to WeRide and Pony AI, Baidu is also expanding its robotaxi offerings through its Apollo Go vehicles.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That includes a new and robust collaboration with Brazil’s federal government and 22 of its states—including Pará—to expand cooperation on climate action.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But Vanderbilt, as attention, pressure and fatigue rise on a pursuit no one outside its camp expected, is essentially two teams with two games left in the 2025 regular season.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The return of that duo would provide a huge boost for an offense that looked overmatched in its last matchup against a contender, a 24-9 Week 7 loss in Detroit.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • For customers upgrading from DSL or cable, Brightspeed Fiber offers a major boost in reliability and upload speeds without the complexity of traditional service agreements.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There was ice accumulation on the condenser fan piping in the walk-in bakery freezer.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Any snowfall will likely be just flurries, with no accumulation anticipated, the weather service said.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Japanese maple trees can also be planted in a container filled with a quality potting mix augmented with compost and sharp sand.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Intelligent machines augment intelligent humans, driving a geometric expansion of what humans can do.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The researchers emphasized that policy support is crucial for accelerating this transition and building a robust recycling system.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Business leaders say that such policies risk accelerating an exodus of companies, diminishing the city’s commercial tax base, and ultimately affecting services and jobs essential to millions of New Yorkers.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • At the time, some human rights experts voiced concerns that his presidency risked backsliding on the democratic gains made since Suharto’s authoritarian regime.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Awards tied to market cap gains are paired with operational achievements.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Someone who is unable to work in mainstream punditry because his face no longer fits, but is determined to raise standards among those who do as an outside agitator.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Yet Tapestry—the parent company of Coach—said Gen Z now accounts for roughly 35% of its new customers, helping the brand beat Wall Street expectations and raise its full-year forecast.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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