increase 1 of 2

Definition of increasenext

increase

2 of 2

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

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
The incident underscored how slipping past safety barriers at scenic overlooks dramatically increases risk. Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026 Malibu resident Chad Peters said his bill from State Farm increased 140% in the last year, from $3,500 to $8,400. Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
Gingerich said high commercial property taxes and increases in other business expenses necessitated raising the rent. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026 The union is calling for an inflationary increase to wages effective July 1, while Cassellius has proposed delaying inflationary raises until January to save money. Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • Situationist is also expanding its team, with a new office above the new store.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Republican lawmakers are opposed to expanding health care to undocumented immigrants, and particularly ready to attack Democrat efforts to raise new revenues to do so.
    Andrew Graham March 9, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Over the years, Franklin has risen from special teams ace to every-down linebacker.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • This shift comes amid rising government instability in Africa.
    Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Lincoln also got a huge boost from the return of all-state guard Jada Patterson, who tore her ACL in the summer but was able to play in the playoffs.
    Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Lots of layers don’t automatically give limp hair an instant boost.
    Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • James sat out to rest his accumulation of minor injuries in his 23rd NBA season, but Doncic picked up any offensive slack from the start.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Plows were able to stay ahead of the accumulation, and the main roads were mostly clear, aided by a hangover of warm temperatures from Thursday.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Finally, consider augmenting the winter landscape, when roses and many of their companions lie dormant.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
  • This was the first Dragon launch from SLC-40 since the addition of a crew access arm to support Dragon launches from more than one Space Coast pad and augment normal launches from KSC’s Launch Pad 39-A.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • China’s consumer-price growth accelerated to the quickest in over three years and factory deflation moderated again, after a rally in energy markets and as household spending boomed during a later-than-usual Lunar New Year holiday.
    Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • But record-breaking temperatures in recent years have led scientists to question whether the pace of temperature gains is accelerating.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In fact, JPMorgan has already deployed a large language model used by 150,000 employees weekly, and CEO Jamie Dimon acknowledged that productivity gains from AI could mean the bank will employ fewer people in the coming years.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Consuming too much protein can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, and displacing other important nutrients like fiber.
    Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Despite his status as a longtime Democratic donor, Ellison’s acquisition of The Free Press and his installation of founder Bari Weiss atop CBS News also raised alarm from Democrats, who have criticized some of her editorial decisions as biased against the left.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Mahan, who recently entered the race and is supported by Silicon Valley leaders, has quickly raised millions of dollars, as have two independent expenditures committees backing his bid.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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