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
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
Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Fall color becomes more muted as shade levels increase.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026
During this adoption process, outside investors gain greater confidence as demand increases.
—Matthew Kayser, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for increase
Verb
While this moment might offer a commentary on the weird plenty of the marketplace, Anna senses her father is lost an increasing haze and intervenes.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Fall color becomes more muted as shade levels increase.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
At Hoka, Caroti said global revenue increases was driven by broader consumer adoption of the brand’s products.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026
During this adoption process, outside investors gain greater confidence as demand increases.
—Matthew Kayser, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
-
Jennie headlined Coachella as a solo artist while expanding her fashion ventures.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In recent years, auction houses have expanded their categories as luxury goods and collectibles have helped buoy their sales.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Growth in services consumption outpacing goods expenditure largely reflects rising average income levels and would likely have occurred even without policy support, said Duncan Wrigley, chief China economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
-
As the temperature rose, Mccullough said some workers clocked off at lunchtime, and other businesses closed early.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While that’s a boost for exporters, leaders in the region are concerned that broader economic disruption from a conflict would outweigh the extra income.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
That was helped along by a boost in Cognac sales of more than 3 percent after a 4 percent dip over the rest of the year—not quite enough to balance this out, but potentially a good sign overall.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There is a dry patch over central parts of North Carolina, which may lower the accumulation in Raleigh, but eastern parts of the state are still expected to see at least 6 to 12 inches of snow by Sunday morning.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
31 Jan. 2026
-
This snow will produce little, if any, accumulation.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
From the wheel to yesterday’s AI agent, every invention has either augmented or replaced human actions.—
Carolyn Dewar,
Fortune,
1 Feb. 2026
-
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,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
By combining a strong regulatory framework with a dense airport ecosystem, the authority aims to accelerate the testing and deployment of advanced aviation technologies.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The Dark Sky Lounge, an add-on, is a 30-minute sound and vibration-based therapy that is meant to accelerate muscle recovery and bring you into a deep state of relaxation—a perfect pre-treatment experience.—
David Duran,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
About 9% of all recycled products collected are reused, so in any flow chart of pollution, there are many places where nonprofits can make gains.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The barometer has also correctly predicted an annual advance in 41 of 46 years in which January has ended with a gain.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Subran estimated that if China were to raise its household disposable-income share in GDP from the current 58% towards the 70% to 75% range observed in advanced economies, private consumption could rise by around 10 percentage points in GDP.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Along with her late husband, the pair founded VIB, an anti-violence nonprofit dedicated to raising social awareness and aiding community causes in Boston, federal prosecutors said.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
