increase 1 of 2

increase

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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
Research has shown the benefits of exercise in mitigating the effects of aging by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 6 Oct. 2025 The purchases of Argentinian bank cards in neighboring Chile have increased 438% this year, while Argentines have loaded up on Jordan-brand sneakers and Zara jeans. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
Scientists across the globe have estimated that each degree of global warming correlates to a 4% increase in the intensity of extreme rainfall. CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025 That, in turn, has prompted an increase in protests and turned the city into a flashpoint in the nationwide immigration crackdown. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • The nursery did well, so Kids Planet began to expand.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The team plans to expand the research to evaluate inhaler emissions in specific patient groups, such as Medicaid recipients, and to compare clinical outcomes of low- and high-emission inhalers in the same therapeutic class.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The actress, who rose to fame for her iconic roles in beloved films such as Annie Hall, The First Wives Club, The Godfather, and many more, died in California, PEOPLE reported on Saturday.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Fazit is the boost your routine never saw coming.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Regarding York, the coaching change from John Tortorella to Tocchet did seem to give him a boost, judging from his training camp.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Heavy snow possible above these levels with total snow accumulations 12 to 24 inches.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The study suggests that microbes living inside plants may influence the accumulation and solidification of gold in trees, a process known as biomineralization.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 21st century’s computer generated gore Around the turn of the millennium, filmmakers turned to CGI to augment their fake blood, adjusting the colors or make their splatter physics a little more convincing.
    Mark Hay, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Longoria continued her ivory color scheme with a clutch, and augmented her look with warm tones thanks to her small gold hoop earrings and strappy gold sandal heels.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With the right guardrails, integrating AI and other emerging technologies can help boards decode complex issues faster, accelerate upskilling, and enhance decision-making.
    Lara Abrash, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Such access, Su explained, accelerates the development of AI tools in areas like healthcare and emotional support.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After the Dolphins reclaimed the lead at 24-20 on a Jaylen Waddle touchdown catch, Dowdle started the ensuing drive with a 16-yard gain but then limped to the sideline with cramps in both calves.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Although those companies have driven enormous market gains over the past several years, many Wall Street analysts fear that the AI market has become a bubble — powered by unsustainable gains that are driven more by FOMO than fundamentals.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In November, Jackson terminated Gatlin for swindling millions of dollars from the Foundation as executives privately reeled over her betrayal of the hospital system’s fundraising arm, which raises tens of millions to benefit Jackson’s patients.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Experts at Sweetbriar said the effort was not just about saving one insect but also about raising awareness.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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