IN CREASE Synonyms: 171 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

increase 1 of 2

verb

in-ˈkrēs

Definition of increase next

as in to expand

to make greater in size, amount, or number we have to increase the number of season-ticket holders if the local sports franchise is to survive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to rise

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number the number of Internet users increased exponentially during the 1990s

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

increase

2 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌkrēs

as in boost

something added (as by growth) shortly after he turned 12, he had a sudden height increase

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accumulation

the act or process of becoming greater in number the increase in the number of students enrolled at the school was very gradual

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

This tension between the desire to increase access to powerful models that can generate significant revenues for AI model companies and benefits for users on the one hand, and regulators who want to restrict access for safety and sovereignty issues on the other is becoming the main story. —

Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 No group has claimed responsibility but attacks by armed gangs have increased in recent months. —

ABC News, 13 June 2026

Noun

Was this increase the result of a distant asteroid collision, with Earth passing through the debris field? —

Phil Plait, Scientific American, 12 June 2026 The City Council’s budget increase followed a 3-2 vote earlier this year to more than triple council salaries. —

Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for increase

Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase

Verb

Publix is set to open five new stores by early July, expanding its footprint in Florida and Kentucky as the grocery chain continues steady growth across the Southeast.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 9 June 2026
As part of the deal announced Monday, Amazon will work with Corning on a new program to expand a fiber-optic technician training program at Catawba Valley Community College based in Hickory.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026

Definition of expand

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incorruptible

increase

increased

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“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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Synonyms of increase

verb

noun

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