augment

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb augment contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of augment are enlarge, increase, and multiply. While all these words mean "to make or become greater," augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

When is it sensible to use enlarge instead of augment?

The words enlarge and augment can be used in similar contexts, but enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

When might increase be a better fit than augment?

In some situations, the words increase and augment are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Where would multiply be a reasonable alternative to augment?

While in some cases nearly identical to augment, multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Examples 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 augment Moore’s road band handled the parts with Danny Rader augmenting on acoustic guitar and banjo. Tom Roland, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2024 Throughout the motel’s corridors and no-frills guest rooms (usually $85 to $150; rated at 3.5 stars by Yelp and Trip Advisor), the clowns continue against a color scheme of purple, yellow and red, augmented by polka dots of blue and green. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024 This is why technology companies are trying to leverage AI as a means to potentially augment the healthcare workforce. Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 Its rider's pedaling power is relayed to the back wheel via a 3 x 8 drivetrain, and is augmented by a 250W hub motor which produces 60 Nm (44 lb ft) of torque. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for augment 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • By all measures, the company exceeded all expectations thanks to customer participation and decided to significantly increase the initial pledge to $11 million.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The presence of dogs may also increase levels of distraction and stress for other, non-dog-toting employees.
    Jessica Pierce, TIME, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Plans are underway to expand the facility in Cancún and build partnerships with hospitals and research institutions across the globe.
    William Mullane, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • While these young men shifted away from Harris in unanticipated margins, Hogg says Democrats' losses this election are bigger than just one voting bloc -- and hopes that extreme candor and commitments to those groups will not only rebuild but expand the party.
    Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In 2021, to fuel its growth and success, the founders bestowed the honor of accelerating the company to Rich Berry, a business school graduate with extensive experience in brand management specializing in the frozen foods industry.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Juan Soto agreeing to a record-shattering deal with the New York Mets on Sunday night should accelerate movement, allowing the four teams that fell short to, perhaps, shift their attention to Bregman.
    Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • For example, the Department of Commerce awarded $16 billion in incentives and tax credits last month alone to boost projects to support the creation of microchips, which the White House credits with spurring $180 billion in private investments in the semiconductor industry.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Details won’t be known for a while, but the news boosted Chinese stocks.
    Michael Foster, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But companies in a wide range of industries are racing to enhance security measures for executives in the wake of the killing.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn and Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024
  • To me, to create for the young generation was more important than anybody else, always aiming to enhance the uniqueness and self-expression of every woman.
    Fairchild Studio, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near augment

Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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