increase 1 of 2

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
Body-image issues can increase vulnerability to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Alex Vance, Parents, 18 Aug. 2025 Effective July 1, her salary will increase to $244,400. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
In contrast, the union said that flight attendants, who are mainly women, received a lower 8% increase in 2025. Callum Sutherland, Time, 19 Aug. 2025 Even Reagan, who continued to raise U.S. defense spending, did not always propose annual increases as high as Carter’s. Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • Currently, Ryan is expanding his expertise by working toward becoming a licensed nutritionist, adding a well-rounded dimension to his fitness programs.
    William Jones, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The stadium, set to open in 2027, is being built to expand to MLS requirements needed for a Republic FC jump from the USL to the top-tier soccer league.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, this gives rise to some very important questions: What are the implications for privacy when so many of us are ready to share our deepest thoughts with AI companies?
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The benchmark 10-year note yield rose nearly 4 basis points to 4.328%.
    Lisa Kailai Han,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There's also a special boost available for the final round of the BMW Championship.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Tax revenue isn't the only economic boost the data center boom has brought to Quincy.
    Monica Nickelsburg, NPR, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Health inspectors found old food and grease accumulation on the fan cover above the two-door freezer, on the floor beneath the back storage racks and on the wall behind the second cook line.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The best storm thus far in the northern metro dropped one quarter inch of rain, so some accumulations up to this amount are possible with any stronger storms that develop.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The results mirror our Middlebury findings: Globally, students who use AI tend to be more likely to use it to augment their coursework, rather than automate it.
    Germán Reyes, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025
  • This year, the state plans to augment its LIHEAP grant with more than $7 million in unused funds from past winter heating assistance efforts.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Toucan’s carbon pool grew 400% in 2024 as institutional ESG demand accelerated.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The public fight between medicine and government is now accelerating the nation onto a path where advice diverges over not just COVID shots but vaccines generally.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Welcome To The Future, Today Ultimately, robots have the potential to ease the transition from aging infrastructure to more future-ready operations, offering meaningful gains in productivity along the way.
    Alexander Clausbruch, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Additional symptoms include dry skin, thin hair and weight gain, the actress said.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Utility officials opened a dam and released 4 billion gallons of water to raise the river's level.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Throughout the rest of the clip, Bob interviews a series of his friends before the show to get their predictions for how often Gaga will ask the crowd to raise their hands.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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!