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
Rising property crime also increases claims and costs that get passed on to consumers. Steve Hilton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026 Like other airlines, Spirit has recently been struggling with increasing fuel costs with the recent conflict in the Middle East. Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
Noun
The shop says designs vary by request, but appointments are recommended as demand increases during the playoffs, especially with both the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche competing for titles. Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 1 May 2026 Already, people are questioning the rate of price increases for memory chips, which can’t realistically grow to the sky. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • The chain eventually expanded to other nameplates — Banana Republic and Old Navy — and now generates more than $15 billion in sales globally.
    Anne D'Innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • That means expanding the Renter’s Tax Credit, protecting homeowners from rising costs and making sure renters know their rights and can access homelessness prevention services.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • But they are expected to rise with tightening supplies of fuel and fertilizer.
    Mae Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • To address rising demand of lithium The USGS projects that global production capacity will double by 2029 to address rising demand from technology companies.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Lumentum , up a staggering 158% this year, could also get a post-earnings boost.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • Even more favorable financing terms with suppliers, or not having to pay to license foreign intellectual property, gives them a real boost, according to analysts.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Sitting out against Toluca on Wednesday due to a one-match suspension for yellow-card accumulation, playmaker Denis Bouanga should log minutes this weekend for LAFC (6-2-2, 20 points).
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • Denis Bouanga could also be involved from the start after missing the Toluca match because of yellow-card accumulation.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • 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, 1 May 2026
  • Today the precision of offside decisions can be augmented with the use of technologies such as video assistant referee (VAR) with semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), which help reduce controversial calls.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Even accelerating a college degree to three years from four, can save students $100,000 dollars or more at many schools.
    Matthew G. Andersson, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • Conventional intuition suggests that the most efficient way to accelerate a chemical reaction is to give reactants unhindered access to a highly active catalyst.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Running back Anthony Woods was a standout on the white team, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a six-yard run and going for multiple big gains early.
    Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
  • With that gain, the Dow Industrials component is up more than 55% in 2026 — on track for its eighth straight winning year.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 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 May. 2026.

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