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
Add other legs to your contest to increase the potential winnings. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 The study predicts sugar consumption nationwide could increase by nearly 3 grams a day by 2095, if planet-warming pollution continues unchecked, with vulnerable groups at highest risk. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
The small increase in inflation is almost certainly due to Trump’s tariffs. Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025 With an 82% majority, union members voted to reject the offer, citing frustrations over annual wage increases and changes to the contract’s expiration date. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • Unrivaled Experiences Growth Spurt Unrivaled will expand ahead of its second season with the addition of two new clubs and a development player pool, the league announced Wednesday.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The panel issued over 100 recommendations, from limiting cash bail for misdemeanors to expanding racial equity training for prosecutors.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Colorado River and the two reservoirs have been suffering because of a multidecade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Stellarium Venus Begins To Fade September sees Venus rise closer to sunrise.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The expiring boost, implemented in Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act under former President Joe Biden, applies to 22 million of the 24 million low- and middle-income Americans with plans through the ACA marketplace.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Approval would let Ripple operate as a federally regulated trust bank—a substantial legitimacy boost.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Most accumulations will come tonight and Friday night.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • One multi-year project includes collecting core samples from glaciers to measure snow accumulation, the main contributor to glacial growth.
    Stefanie Waldek, AFAR Media, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Leaders must pair intelligence with intention, ensuring AI augments humanity, not replaces it.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Little Market is meant to augment the larger restaurant.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Department of War created a new task force in August to accelerate counter-drone development.
    Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The nanophotonic device could accelerate advances in communications, precision measurement, and even environmental monitoring.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Unrealized gains are marked-to-market, and a hefty tax bill may follow.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Voters instead delivered gains to both far-right and far-left parties.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Among them were countless era-defining releases that are still among the best movies ever made—of any genre—from the haunting Rebecca to the gripping Rear Window, and the ravishing Vertigo to the hair-raising Psycho.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
  • There were times when raising kids, building careers, and paying bills felt overwhelming.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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