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
Boys' apparel increased by 2% in that time period, while girls' apparel dropped by the same percentage. Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Both can make healthy additions to your diet and can increase your intake of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds while supporting brain, heart, and metabolic health. Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
Then the Buffs have to do it again every year after that, at annual increases of 4%, until that number grows to roughly $33 million in 2035. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Resources and financial stresses The new state budget offered some increases in support for traditional public schools, as well as charter schools and private schools taking part in school voucher programs. Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • The tournament expanded from 24 teams to 32 at the start of the 1999-2000 season, with a second group stage then played before being replaced with the round of 16 in 2003-04.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This shift is reinforced by Russia’s push to expand its eastward infrastructure through the Power of Siberia pipelines cementing a more permanent divide in global energy markets.
    Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Covid-19 pandemic, booming inflation and rising rates hit public and private markets across the board after years of loose monetary policy and a tech bull run.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Better harvests feed the communities, with profits reinvested into the systems that keep productivity rising.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Cowboys-Eagles Touchdown Scorer 50% Profit Boost Token One of the best offers available within the DraftKings Sportsbook app is the 50% profit boost token that can be used for any touchdown scorer bet before the opening kickoff of Cowboys-Eagles tomorrow night.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Fort Worth’s reputation as a place to plant roots just got a boost.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Chicago couldn’t discipline her for the Sky’s next game against the Indiana Fever because Reese has already been suspended for that contest due to technical foul accumulation.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The team announced the suspension in a statement less than two hours before tipoff of Friday’s road game against the Indiana Fever, for which Reese already was suspended because of an accumulation of technical fouls.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To truly optimize talent acquisition, AI should serve as a powerful tool to augment human recruiters, empowering them with data and efficiency, rather than replacing the irreplaceable human element at the very beginning of the hiring journey.
    Jason Elkin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Panchagnula champions augmented intelligence—where AI amplifies human expertise rather than replaces it, using human-in-the-loop workflows.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Driving impressions The Sportage hybrid accelerates well from a standstill.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Environmental advocates have warned that this change would accelerate extinctions.
    Lois Parshley, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This is the classic Jevons Paradox where efficiency gains make technology cheaper to use, which drives more use overall.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Democrats, as of now, only need a net gain of three seats to take back the majority in the House, while the Senate will prove more of a stretch for them.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Money raised supports non-profit women's wellness programs and education to promote breast cancer awareness.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Internal records obtained by the Republic show that school officials failed to act immediately, despite parents repeatedly raising concerns.
    Hannah Dreyfus, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

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