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
Research has shown the benefits of exercise in mitigating the effects of aging by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 6 Oct. 2025 The purchases of Argentinian bank cards in neighboring Chile have increased 438% this year, while Argentines have loaded up on Jordan-brand sneakers and Zara jeans. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
Scientists across the globe have estimated that each degree of global warming correlates to a 4% increase in the intensity of extreme rainfall. CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025 That, in turn, has prompted an increase in protests and turned the city into a flashpoint in the nationwide immigration crackdown. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • The nursery did well, so Kids Planet began to expand.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The team plans to expand the research to evaluate inhaler emissions in specific patient groups, such as Medicaid recipients, and to compare clinical outcomes of low- and high-emission inhalers in the same therapeutic class.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bright nighttime skies are on the way in Michigan as the year's first full supermoon will rise in the sky Monday, astronomers say.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In six of the past seven seasons, the number of Englishmen playing in major leagues on the continent has risen.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Page’s wealth received a boost after a major antitrust case in 2024, when the Department of Justice asked Google to sell its Chrome browser to curb market dominance.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The rind can also be blended into smoothies for an extra nutrient boost.
    Lauren Manaker MS, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Nonfood-contact surfaces have accumulation of soil.
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches above 9000 feet with localized amounts of 14 or more inches in the highest peaks.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As for glam and accessories, Jackson favored delicate rings, bracelet and dangle earrings in warm tones to augment her red dress.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • So, think about a core legacy ERP system that can then be augmented with point of sale data or supply-chain data that allows for different types of insights to be gleaned and operations to be managed in a more effective way.
    Fortune Editors, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • They’re plugged into networks that carry influence and can accelerate advancement in business and career.
    Sarah Maokosy, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Once a scrappy research lab in San Francisco's Mission District, the company has since become more structured, enabling it to spin up cross-functional teams more quickly and accelerate the development and deployment cycles for products like Sora.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After the Dolphins reclaimed the lead at 24-20 on a Jaylen Waddle touchdown catch, Dowdle started the ensuing drive with a 16-yard gain but then limped to the sideline with cramps in both calves.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Although those companies have driven enormous market gains over the past several years, many Wall Street analysts fear that the AI market has become a bubble — powered by unsustainable gains that are driven more by FOMO than fundamentals.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The government can raise revenues by increasing the payroll tax that funds Social Security or the income threshold to continue paying the tax or raise the full retirement age.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The nonprofit will provide scholarships and supportive services for families raising children with autism.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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