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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
Russian drone and missile attacks have increased in recent days to levels unprecedented in the more-than-three-year conflict. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 12 July 2025 Graham famously forced a fumble on Tom Brady late in the game, which helped the Eagles increase their lead to the point where a field goal wouldn't cut it for New England on their final drive. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Noun
But unlike the British Open and its steady pay bumps, the U.S. Open has often paused raising prize money, with eight different instances since 2008 where there was no increase for the winner’s portion. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025 The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
Verb
  • To expand its financial services sector, the BVI is developing an International Arbitration Center, positioning itself as a premier destination for international dispute resolution.
    Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Mari said the strike has now expanded to include Teamsters in California and Washington state, and that upwards of 4,000 union members are now in the midst of a work stoppage.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • But in 2025, with economic anxiety rising, Virginia's economic situation is just shaky enough to take it down a few pegs.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2025
  • The ship is heard identifying itself, but no further responses are broadcast before missiles are shown striking the vessel, followed by rising smoke.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Dayton, a small community near Chattanooga, had lost a factory to bankruptcy and needed the boost.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
  • The state’s total prison population is up about 7% since the compensation boost took effect.
    Mario Koran, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • But without a catalyst such as activist interest, M&A potential, or insider accumulation, the market has little reason to reprice the risk.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The Lions will need to find a way to cope with the absence of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and captain Robin Jansson after both received yellow cards against Charlotte and are suspended due to yellow-card accumulation.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Choose solutions that augment human intelligence—leveraging AI, behavioral science and automation to unlock capacity, not just cut costs.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The measure also guts investment in clean energy at a moment when climate disruption is not only real but also accelerating.
    Thomas Kahn, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Tatum’s injury accelerated the inevitable, as the Celtics offloaded Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday in an attempt to drop out of the dreaded second apron.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Key Facts Shares of Nvidia increased by more than 4% to just over $171 as of around 11:10 a.m. EDT, paring back earlier gains after reaching an all-time high of $172.40 and opening to a record $171.19.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The collection jumps up the list following streaming gains for its songs generated by Independence Day celebrations.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Money raised will prioritize private residential nursing care, additional support services and ongoing transport and palliative care needs.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • Attorneys in death penalty cases often raise the issue of past trauma as a mitigating factor for juries to consider when deciding punishment.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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