1
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
2
as in to rise
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the number of Internet users increased exponentially during the 1990s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of increase
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
The additional financial pressure is mounting on top of low crop prices and an increasing number of farm bankruptcies following the Covid-19 pandemic.
—Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Rob Wile, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026
In 2018, Apple saw a huge increase in AirPod sales after a lackluster launch just two years before.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for increase
Verb
The leader goes into Sunday’s vote as the great survivor on Europe’s political stage, holding power since 2010 thanks to four back-to-back victories, each time gradually increasing his control over the judiciary and media.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
The additional financial pressure is mounting on top of low crop prices and an increasing number of farm bankruptcies following the Covid-19 pandemic.
—Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
Medical care services saw no increase in prices on the month, while used car prices declined.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026
In 2018, Apple saw a huge increase in AirPod sales after a lackluster launch just two years before.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
-
The law will expand background checks for adults living with guardians and create a new Child Welfare Ombudsman, which is an independent advocate inside the attorney general's office to handle complaints and review child welfare practices.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Cooper, who has long served as the host of Call Her Daddy since 2018 alongside her ex-cohost Sofia Franklyn, expanded her podcasting empire into the Unwell Network in August 2023.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Other important ceremonial garments are also on display, including the Queen’s wedding dress, from 1947, another Hartnell creation that incorporated not just the white rose of the House of York but also featured orange blossoms, a symbol of fertility.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
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Areas near the river from just east of O’Hare International Airport north to the Wisconsin border were under a flood warning due to the river’s rising levels, according to the National Weather Service.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The upside in the Neo isn't really about a near-term boost in device sales.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Agosto said Rodriguez started to drink Alani Nu because of posts on social media that advertised it with wellness and health benefits, as well as an energy boost.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Charlotte played without Wilfried Zaha, who was suspended for the match for yellow-card accumulation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The ice machine had an accumulation of residue.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
April 10,
Sacbee.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Some may also use it to augment care on the overnight shift, when staffing may be slimmer.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The scrutiny of fame has always been dehumanizing, though the ubiquity of the modern-day comment section has surely accelerated and exaggerated its cruelty.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Members of the first group will be fine even as college closures accelerate.—
Jeffrey Selingo,
The Atlantic,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some economists — including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — argued that sentiment would eventually catch up to reality once Americans adjusted to higher prices, and paycheck gains padded their bank accounts.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Chip stocks have surged this week as investors snapped up semiconductor names in lieu of software, with the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) closing the week with an 11% gain.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While snow totals remain uncertain, this storm is forecast to bring colder air and has a better chance of bringing more widespread and meaningful accumulating snow, particularly in the mountains and higher elevations.—
Alex Lehnert,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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