accretion

noun

ə-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce accretion (audio)
Definition of accretionnext
1
as in accumulation
a mass or quantity that has piled up or that has been gathered over a period of time a thick accretion of ice in a freezer that obviously had not been cleaned for some time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in increase
something added (as by growth) accretions of lime have thickened the cave's stalactites and stalagmites over the centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 accretion The clearest examples of margin accretion from AI adoption come from companies where the AI application is direct and the output is measurable. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 Streaming algorithms by definition cannot manufacture that kind of slow accretion of cultural meaning. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 May 2026 Both insertions — one for art, the other for movement — negotiate with the museum’s history of accretion. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 May 2026 In Worcester County, the main impact will be ice accretion. — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accretion
  1. accumulation
  2. increase
  3. collection
  4. gain
  5. addition
  6. boost
Noun
  • The gradual accumulation of these substances in the body can disrupt normal physiological functions, ultimately leading to disease, impaired health, and, in severe cases, death.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The method could combat refuse accumulation and provide sustenance in remote or disaster locations — or in space someday.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of accumulation
Noun
  • Driving the increase in murder charges in fatal crashes are a few factors, Cherney and McClain agree.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Over the past three months, international futures markets saw cocoa rise by more than 60% cumulatively, coffee gain over 30%, and raw sugar futures increase by nearly 30%.
    — , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of increase
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, the Elie Saab H&M collection plays up after-dark glamour, and just in time for holiday party season, too.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The trove of women’s bloomers, drawers, knickers, brassieres, corsets, and girdles is just a small part of the school’s historic clothing collection, with images shared by the University of Wyoming Libraries via JSTOR.
    — April White, JSTOR Daily, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of collection
Noun
  • Rucci caught a fourth-and-1 conversion pass from Adrian Martinez for a 10-yard gain to the Raiders’ 36, followed by James’ second-effort, 17-yard run.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In an interview with CNBC, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the efficiency gains of the Sol model.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of gain
Noun
  • While their new addition has been an adjustment for their twins, the proud parents share that their twins simply adore their baby brother.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Recreation and Parks General Manager Jimmy Kim told residents that installation of an approximately 8-foot fence was expected to begin this fall, followed by artistic and decorative additions through next spring.
    — Hanna Kang, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of addition
Noun
  • The bike also has a programmable control system that can provide functions such as boost, wheel-lift assistance, speed limiting and what Bonnell calls E-Clutch functionality (more on that later).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Wichai Yuankham, 35, a factory worker who came to watch the ships arrive, said the naval visit was a welcome boost to the local economy.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of boost

Browse Nearby Words

accreting
accretion
accretions
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Cite this Entry

“Accretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accretion. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on accretion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accretion

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