increase 1 of 2

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
Exports to America fell a staggering 16 percent and increased elsewhere by only 2.9 percent. Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025 The bet is a next leg of L’Oréal’s increasing ambitions in the beauty-tech space, fueled by efforts to bring forth tech innovations that are accessible and solve solutions for everyday consumers. Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Noun
The new pictures represent a significant increase in detail that is primarily owed to Biomass’s main instrument: the P-band synthetic aperture radar. Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 1 July 2025 One reported a 60% increase in sales within four months, while another saved 30-hours per week on decision-making processes, according to Medone. Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • Weeks later, the BBC expanded Frediani’s empire to include News at One.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • The former carpet warehouse was already outfitted with car lifts — that Tires, Etc. location (Mr. Gerben owns several) was going to expand — and Gillis paid out of pocket to build out the rest of the set.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Comparing unit prices at the grocery store, shopping the sale racks and collecting spare change are necessities for many Americans, who are coping with stagnant wages, rising prices and mounting bills.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • Success for any one of the players, as well as the end-users, constitutes a rising tide for industrial autonomy.
    Richard Bishop, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • However, here’s the catch: these estimates do not even include the prospective boost from the new cryptocurrency offerings.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Even small habits, such as drinking green tea every morning or incorporating spicy foods into your meals, may offer a slight boost.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The annual Ten Thousand Commandments report has, since 1993, tracked the inexorable accumulation of federal regulation.
    Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The United States would be, to put it mildly, naïve to believe that the accumulation of intelligence and modern warfare knowledge by North Korea, China and Iran presents no threat to the United States.
    Laura Thornton, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • That starts with understanding customers' needs, using agents to augment the work sellers do and then providing sales coaching on the go with a closed-loop learning system.
    Anand Shah, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Edwards and Lopez flipping positions has augmented Miami defensively, and Edwards has continued to hit (.283, .358 on base).
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Whether through the Deloitte Global FoF framework or others, leaders can benefit from taking a structured approach to investing in smart operations and to accelerating the convergence of IT and OT.
    John England, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Flooding that started slow was quickly accelerating.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • These gains are achieved through standardized, scalable and reusable systems as well as automated workflows.
    Steve Millidge, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Such gains might feel meager after a fight so long and messy, but around the same time, the other Big Five publishers will also increase their threshold for entry-level salaries.
    Maris Kreizman July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Business leaders must raise their voices—not just for equity, but for the sustainability and competitiveness of their own industries.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The bill raises the federal debt ceiling by $5 trillion, enough to carry the government beyond the 2026 midterm elections.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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