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
In the memo, Stutzman said that the first-year wage increase had been increased to 4%, which will come on top of a 3% raise given last August. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026 And while the service has helped by increasing tenant renewal rates, Greene said the number of renters behind on payments is still high. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
To assist businesses impacted by parking garage rate increases, the city will offer free 24-hour shuttles. Amy Galo, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026 The resulting oil shortage and price increases are forcing countries around the world to limit energy use, tap into emergency reserves and scramble for alternative sources. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • Other bank expansions in Charlotte Several other banks have been expanding in the Charlotte region, too.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Production plans call for an initial deployment of dozens of units this year, scaling to thousands annually as manufacturing capacity expands.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Tan first rose to fame in the ’80s and ’90s as one of Singapore’s top male models, gracing magazine covers and campaigns across Asia.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
  • That is to say that the way the current system is set up distorts the healthcare economy in ways that don’t allow for much price competition, with ever-rising insurance premiums as the result.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But the initial boost to stocks of Archer, BETA, and rival Joby Aviation was short-lived.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Now, climate change is giving these squatters a boost.
    Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Make sure to always use front and back lens caps to minimize dirt accumulation when the lenses are not in use.
    Jacob Little, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Little to no accumulation is expected, but may get some in the grassy surfaces.
    Mary Ours, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Strauss opened the hourlong session by laying out NBCUniversal’s evolving vision for Peacock and plans to augment the streaming experience.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
  • There are also plans to use it to augment human memory, or for use as direct brain-to-brain communication and messaging.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Military robot surge Foundation is accelerating the development of military-capable humanoid robots, with plans to manufacture up to 50,000 units by the end of 2027.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
  • This is especially important after age 65, which is when muscle loss accelerates, Zinn says.
    Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And yet, despite that, there had been the weight gain, just enough for the zipper on the Balenciaga to become her sworn enemy.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • And while college enrollment and completion rates have improved districtwide, Black students haven’t seen the same gains.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Moïse, who said she was born and raised in Haiti and had lived at the family home since 2015, described having as many as 30 to 50 guards around the home at all times.
    Tania Francois, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Another audience member sensitively played Sam, the narrator’s love of his life, a relationship that reveals the long-term toll of being raised by a parent suffering from suicidal depression.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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