1
as in accumulation
a mass or quantity that has piled up or that has been gathered over a period of time
a thick accretion of ice in a freezer that obviously had not been cleaned for some time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in increase
something added (as by growth)
accretions of lime have thickened the cave's stalactites and stalagmites over the centuries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of accretion
This limit determines how much material can fall to a body like a star or black hole before the radiation generated by that accretion pushes further matter away, emptying the central object's larder of gas and dust, thus cutting off its food supply.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The granularity of these regulations, after more than 50 years of legal accretion, is far beyond the capacity of human understanding.
—Philip K. Howard, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
As a format, television procedurals favor comfort and steady accretion, but The Pitt announced itself by pushing straight to the brink.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
The hazard is in place because of the potential for rapid ice accretion on vessels and other structures.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The granularity of these regulations, after more than 50 years of legal accretion, is far beyond the capacity of human understanding.
—Philip K. Howard, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
As a format, television procedurals favor comfort and steady accretion, but The Pitt announced itself by pushing straight to the brink.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
The hazard is in place because of the potential for rapid ice accretion on vessels and other structures.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accretion
Noun
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The results revealed lower leaf damage and lower anthocyanin accumulation when plants were physically touching each other.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Snow squalls can occur with very little warning and can lead to whiteout conditions on the roads, and also drop a quick accumulation of snow that can lead to very slippery conditions.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The focus areas expected to power these margin increases for FedEx include its high-value B2B and specialized B2C segments.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Feb. 2026
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Without that data, the BLS assumed that no price increases had taken place during the month for most categories of goods and services.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These latest photos were shared two months after the duo became Instagram official in December, when Perry posted a collection of photos and videos from her time in Tokyo, which included quality time with her beau.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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In addition to all the vases and tissue boxes Stephan recommends, make sure your book collection is punctuated with decorative bookends.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These performance gains have immediate implications for safety during human–robot interaction.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
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Jason Wilbanks was charged with computer tampering, evidence tampering, using his office for personal gain, and soliciting to commit a drug crime.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In addition to the Sierra population, there are about 20 Sierra Nevada red foxes living in the Cascade mountain range of Northern California.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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In addition to academic affairs, the provost oversees seven other offices focused on faculty, graduate studies and enrollment.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Universities across the state will also get a sizable boost from the funding bills.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
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But now researchers say a quick nap might offer that same kind of brain boost.—
Hunter Boyce,
AJC.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accretion. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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