increase 1 of 2

increase

2 of 2

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
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 As Diop improves his shooting touch from outside, his value will only increase. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
Dallas announced there will be an 8.61 percent average overall price increase. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 The House bill last month did not mention any specific tax cuts or increases. David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for increase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase
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
  • The series is about two sisters, but for the first half of the season, even by splitting the narrative into a bunch of flashbacks, Long Bright River can’t find a way to make that relationship rise to the surface.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The overt reason is that BP’s stock has risen less than other oil majors during 2024.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As the 11th ranked team in the nation, Maryland has their eyes set on a bigger prize, but winning the Big Ten would be a significant confidence boost for the Terrapins.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • That will be a noticeable boost primarily for a handful of particularly demanding 3D games (the likes of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Resident Evil Village, Infinity Nikki, and Genshin Impact) and some heavy-duty applications only a few people use, like CAD or video editing programs.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Snow accumulations of three to six inches were expected, and up to a foot is possible.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Additional snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, up to 18 inches over peaks.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Universal has expanded the number of magic locations for the wands to five new areas within Wizarding World.
    Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Monday that the computer chipmaker TSMC had expanded its investment in the United States because of the possibility of separate 25% tariffs.
    COMPILED BYDEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The imbalance swelled to a record $131.4 billion in January, a 34% increase from the prior month and nearly double from a year ago.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Also known as Triple E, the virus swells the brain, and kills about one in three patients.
    Denise Hruby, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Forecasters expect to see about 170,000 payrolls added, which would be more than the 143,000 job gains in January.
    Rob Wile, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The airline recorded a significant 24% increase in available seat miles, accompanied by modest gains in passenger yield (up 0.5%) and an impressive 150 basis point improvement in occupancy rate relative to 2022.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Possibilities include accelerating drug discovery, augmenting preclinical or clinical research, predicting potential product quality issues and optimizing testing protocols.
    Aman Wasan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Conrad called steel guitarist Justin Schipper in to augment the band the next day at The Smoakstack, a studio loaded with guitars — and ceramic figures — in Nashville’s Berry Hill neighborhood.
    Tom Roland, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on increase

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!