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 sneezing has not abated and recently increased slightly. Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026 That’s what creates and increases confidence. Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
Reducing those requirements could free up land for gentle increases in density, which would make public transit more viable and households less car-dependent. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026 The city simply cannot absorb a dramatic increase in the number of vehicles. Sara Lind, New York Daily News, 23 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
  • Production snags have hampered the comeback bid, a disappointment for investors who anticipated more of a boost from new products.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • That’s why housing policies we’re pitched are filled with dreams of construction booms or giant income boosts.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Everything from catastrophic ice accumulation to over a foot of snow and double-digit subzero temperatures are expected to hit places east of the Rocky Mountains.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Around 1 to 2 inches of sleet accumulation has been reported across DFW.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This innovative approach not only speeds the design process but also frees up designers to focus on more creative tasks, demonstrating how AI can be used as a tool to augment human creativity rather than replace it.
    Li Jun, Footwear News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Powell levels could be augmented by Upper Basin contributions to protect infrastructure.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The race to commercialize perovskite technology has accelerated rapidly in recent years.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The transfer portal, which opened Friday, allows programs to accelerate the rebuilding process and replace departing players — more than 20 in Florida’s case.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This post was originally published on January 23 Bitcoin has limped into 2026, flailing in the wake of a gold price boom that’s catapulted it to an eye-watering $34 trillion market capitalization (triggering predictions of even more gains to come).
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Trump’s second term came on the heels of the S&P 500’s first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since the 1990s.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 25 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on increase

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!