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

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 augment Analyzing the legendary unicorn tapestries hanging at the Met Cloisters in New York (augmented here by a gory new panel that depicts the suddenly fearsome animals disemboweling and impaling their aggressors), Ridley concludes that unicorns aren’t nearly as benevolent as most people think. Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025 Fewer than 600 Kenyan troops had arrived in Haiti by the end of last month, augmented by 260 troops from Central America and the Caribbean; the mission is intended to be about 2,500 strong. Linnea Fehrm, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2025 That Russia has been forced to rely on Iran for its drones and North Korea to augment its own soldiers is more than revealing. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025 Jane Wickline’s trolley-problem song was dark and silly and augmented by a trolley-problem image for those of us at home. Rima Parikh, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • As Diop improves his shooting touch from outside, his value will only increase.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Weather experts predict that the tornadoes will increase to a strength of EF4 by Saturday, with hurricane-force winds at a speed of more than 74 mph, CNN reported.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Its leaders are looking for ways to expand by reaching out to a changing community.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The analyst believes that Costco has the opportunity to expand its warehouse footprint further.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Probably the most significant factor is the company's ever-present pressure to accelerate, even while taking on more and more challenging tasks.
    Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The staggering investment levels, impressive ROI reports, and accelerating adoption rates signal a technology crossing the threshold from emerging to essential.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • From the use of AI tools to boost brand safety to the live tracking of ad placements, there are myriad ways to ensure ad placements strengthen brand integrity while maximizing campaign effectiveness.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team upset Texas A&M in double overtime in the second round of the SEC Tournament yesterday, boosting their chances for an NCAA tournament bid.
    Nicole Cobler, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Meditation helps counteract this by enhancing critical thinking skills, reducing emotional reactivity, and fostering a mindset of responsibility.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Check out the slam dunk deals below that’ll enhance the game-viewing experience and keep sports lovers fed and hydrated.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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