augment

verb

ȯg-ˈment How to pronounce augment (audio)
Definition of augmentnext
as in to increase
to make greater in size, amount, or number our volleyball team was augmented by some of the exchange team's players

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 By definition, neither party enjoys a clear advantage in these contests, so both will look to augment their base support with the votes of independents. — Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 As The Economist recently reported, this began to change as local sources were augmented by federal and state spending. — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026 The more important questions became which activities could be delegated to intelligent systems, which should be augmented and where human judgment still created differentiated value. — Rahul Saluja, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Heightened immigration enforcement, data privacy concerns and shifting policies at present can augment existing barriers to higher education and financial aid for these groups, according to researchers. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
  1. increase
  2. expand
  3. accelerate
  4. boost
Verb
  • To increase supply, the International Energy Agency agreed on Thursday to release more than 20 million barrels of fuel to the market.
    — Arathy Somasekhar Reuters, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Preparing multiple missions Manufacturing more rocket hardware will not increase launch frequency unless teams can prepare several missions simultaneously.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • From elevating beds to expanding sections to sliding walls and even entire roofs, these 10 homes transform to get maximum use out of a compact space.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Blue Origin is expanding its Florida operations to support a much faster launch schedule, targeting multiple New Glenn flights per week by the end of the decade.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Every clinical breakthrough has cost implications, accelerates the pace of change and widens the gap between what is scientifically possible and what is practical for clinicians delivering care.
    — Brad Kreick, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Its performance accelerated the slide of the ANC, once led by Nelson Mandela, which lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid and was forced to form a coalition government.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of accelerate
Verb
  • The thrusters are integrated into the rear diffuser, and they can also be used to boost the car’s forward acceleration.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Kalispell rally sought to boost GOP congressional candidate Aaron Flint, who is in a tight race for a toss-up House seat against Democrat Sam Forstag.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of boost

Browse Nearby Words

aughts
augment
augmentation
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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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