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

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
The drone strikes and mine-laying campaign could further increase Russia's reliance on the Kerch Bridge, one of the few remaining major supply arteries linking Crimea to Russia. David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Beyond that, the Legislature would be required to give local governments the ability to increase the exemption. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026
Noun
After high-profile lobbying campaigns by the likes of Hollywood stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, lawmakers approved a major increase in the state’s film and TV incentive program last May. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 May 2026 During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • The deal with Curry, who is a household name in China, is expected to further boost Li-Ning’s popularity in the country and help expand the brand’s market share in the US.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic?
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Supply disruptions have also hit hard in Europe and Africa, where countries are responding to rising fuel costs and a considerable threat to food security.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 5 June 2026
  • Airlines have faced rising fuel costs as the conflict in Iran has disrupted global oil supplies and increased energy prices.
    City News Service, Daily News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Other recent call-ups, like Nick Sogard and Mickey Gasper, have also given the lineup a boost.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • Dell said Thursday that its server unit had gotten a massive boost from widening AI adoption, challenging analysts’ assessment that demand for the business was already reflected in the stock price.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Shange’s rainbow assemblage manages to be confrontational and conciliatory through a confessional accumulation that collapses poetry, movement, and ritual into a single and ever-changing event.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • And one thing Deb, who spent decades prioritizing the accumulation of money over the refinement of her craft, has learned from collaborating with Ava is that, in the end, art matters more to her than business.
    Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Liquid fuel rockets will always have their inherent limitations, as will any systems that hope to augment or replace them.
    David Szondy May 31, New Atlas, 31 May 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 May 2026
Verb
  • That’s another bill that doesn’t include her name because a Senate version of the legislation, which was designed to accelerate biomedical research, is what eventually passed, Owens said.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • The consumer demand, in both African domestic markets and globally, is documented and accelerating.
    Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Each productivity gain becomes a fresh opportunity for business owners to maximize their own gains while using the same technology to further control their employees.
    Christopher Marquis, Time, 30 May 2026
  • In facilities processing millions of parcels each day, even small gains in efficiency can translate into significant operational and economic advantages.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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