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
Tariffs did not have the inflationary effects many economists projected, and despite pessimism from the political commentariat, Trump’s public pledges that foreign companies will increase domestic investment have already begun to be fulfilled. Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025 The poll also showed that Trump's approval remains unchanged from March at 46 percent, while his disapproval increased by 1 point to 52 percent. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Noun
Still, Disney noted ad revenue for ESPN and sports in general saw an increase in ad revenue. Sarah Whitten,lillian Rizzo,alex Sherman, CNBC, 26 July 2025 Still, while customs duties are increasing U.S. revenue and Trump regularly casts tariffs as being paid by foreign trading partners, data show those increases are being shouldered by American businesses and consumers. Arkansas Online, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • Plans to redevelop and expand Whitefish Bay's Sendik's Food Market would put a new two-story store on a prominent Silver Spring Drive corner just east of the grocer's existing location, which would be demolished and turned into a parking lot.
    Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • The plan laid out in Tuesday’s staff report proposed a ballot measure that would expand protections for thousands of acres of open space across Irvine.
    Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Sales rose 7% in the second quarter compared with Q2 2024 and 12% in 2025’s first half.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • After that, the Valley will dry out and temperatures will rise back to normal, approaching the 110s over the weekend and into next week.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • These include profit boosts and early payouts at the top of the home page.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • The Kpop Demon Hunters soundtrack has already been slaying on the charts, and now, David Guetta is joining the project to give one of its songs an extra boost.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • These two technical indicators suggest that BSX is in a period of accumulation, suggesting a bullish outlook with further upside potential.
    David Keller, CNBC, 24 July 2025
  • Opal is formed through an accumulation of marine organisms or silica-rich water, which create wonderful plays of color.
    Beatrice Zocchi, Glamour, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • This is among the greatest strengths of AI—augmenting human capabilities.
    Hank Boughner, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Royals must win games and remain in the playoff mix in order to keep their current roster together — and perhaps even augment it.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • As for Nowak’s question about the possibility of AWS’ growth rate accelerating in the back half of the year, Jassy wouldn’t directly answer it but stressed his optimism, in part stemming from AWS customers starting to deploy more AI products at scale that should continue to ramp in coming quarters.
    Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This substantial increase in funding is intended to support the administration's efforts to accelerate deportations in pursuit of fulfilling President Trump's goal of removing one million individuals within a year.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Success metrics should include engagement and satisfaction alongside performance gains.
    Rick Inatome, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • For many months, job gains have been concentrated in just a few sectors – health care, state and local governments, and leisure and hospitality.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Funds for the Parkland Library reopening came from a mix of allocations in the city budget, federal American Rescue Plan funds and donations raised through the Library Foundation.
    Keely Doll, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • The case raised major questions about the line between freedom of expression and privacy, and what is actually newsworthy.
    Vanessa Romo, NPR, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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