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
Russian drone and missile attacks have increased in recent days to levels unprecedented in the more-than-three-year conflict. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 12 July 2025 Graham famously forced a fumble on Tom Brady late in the game, which helped the Eagles increase their lead to the point where a field goal wouldn't cut it for New England on their final drive. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Noun
But unlike the British Open and its steady pay bumps, the U.S. Open has often paused raising prize money, with eight different instances since 2008 where there was no increase for the winner’s portion. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025 The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • Mari said the strike has now expanded to include Teamsters in California and Washington state, and that upwards of 4,000 union members are now in the midst of a work stoppage.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Although the company is actively adapting—expanding into energy storage, changing billing models, and tweaking its supply chain—investors continue to be concerned about the pace and effectiveness of these strategic adjustments.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Sales rose 7% in the second quarter compared with Q2 2024 and 12% in 2025’s first half.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Those are the three names president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski mentioned as rising to the occasion in the bullpen when asked earlier on Monday.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Dayton, a small community near Chattanooga, had lost a factory to bankruptcy and needed the boost.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
  • Dig a hole that's as big and wide as the plant, amending with manure or organic compost to give it a nutritional boost.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • But without a catalyst such as activist interest, M&A potential, or insider accumulation, the market has little reason to reprice the risk.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The Lions will need to find a way to cope with the absence of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and captain Robin Jansson after both received yellow cards against Charlotte and are suspended due to yellow-card accumulation.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Choose solutions that augment human intelligence—leveraging AI, behavioral science and automation to unlock capacity, not just cut costs.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • 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, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Our graduates will now re-enter the market faster, prepared to hit the ground running and accelerate their careers.
    Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
  • Starvation Much of Gaza has been reduced to a wasteland during more than 21 months of war and there are fears of accelerating starvation.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • The 2025 Emmy nominations delivered meaningful gains in representation across race, gender and identity, with a few concerning declines.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 July 2025
  • Football presenters Alan Shearer and Mark Chapman both benefited from salary gains of at least £60,000 because of UEFA Euro 2024.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Hallie Parker, the more mischievous and outgoing sister, was raised in Napa Valley, California, by her dad, Nick.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • Wells Fargo reiterates Microsoft as overweight Wells raised its price target on Microsoft to $600 per share from $585.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

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