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increase

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of increase

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 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 for increase

Words Related to increase

maximize

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Antonyms for increase

2 to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number

the number of Internet users increased exponentially during the 1990s

Synonyms for increase

Words Related to increase

Antonyms for increase

increase

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of increase (Entry 2 of 2)

1 something added (as by growth)

shortly after he turned 12, he had a sudden height increase

Synonyms for increase

Words Related to increase

complement

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Antonyms for increase

2 the act or process of becoming greater in number

the increase in the number of students enrolled at the school was very gradual

Synonyms for increase

Words Related to increase

Near Antonyms for increase

Antonyms for increase

decrease

Frequently Asked Questions About increase

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