accrete

Definition of accretenext
as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass silt accreting at the mouth of the river over time

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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 accrete In a gas-dwarf scenario, planets are believed to form rock cores that accrete a small percentage of hydrogen-helium during the formation process. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026 Instruments drift in and out, sometimes accreting into subtle polyrhythms or harmonies, and other times lightly undergirding Ederra’s gorgeous runs. Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026 For the first few billion years of cosmic history, galaxies formed and grew by accreting more and more material from the intergalactic medium, as well as by merging together to form larger, more mature galaxies. Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile ice can accrete on both the top and underside of branches and power lines. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accrete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accrete
accumulate
Verb
  • In Gaza City alone, around 25 million tons of debris have accumulated, Mohanna said.
    Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Jamestown Canyon virus accumulates genetic changes 10 to 100 times more slowly per calendar year than dengue, Rift Valley fever or chikungunya.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Accrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accrete. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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