INCREASE Synonyms: 171 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

increase 1 of 2

verb

in-ˈkrēs

Definition of increase

as in to expand

to make greater in size, amount, or number we have to increase the number of season-ticket holders if the local sports franchise is to survive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to rise

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number the number of Internet users increased exponentially during the 1990s

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

increase

2 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌkrēs

as in boost

something added (as by growth) shortly after he turned 12, he had a sudden height increase

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accumulation

the act or process of becoming greater in number the increase in the number of students enrolled at the school was very gradual

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Apple also increased the cost of a monthly individual subscription to Apple One—which bundles the Apple TV streaming service with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and iCloud+—from $20 to $22 today. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 While Happy Head offers introductory costs at $36 for the topical solution and supplements, the prices increase substantially after the first month. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

Bioaccumulation, the increase in the concentration of heavy metals or other toxic chemicals in a living organism’s fatty tissues and muscles over time due to the organism’s inability to break down and excrete these substances quickly enough. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 Late summer brings an increase in a deadly disease spreading in cats across South Florida, causing intense illness and even sudden death. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for increase

Recent Examples of Synonyms for increase

Verb

Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
While most of its stores are in mainland China, the company had 4,378 stores overseas as of end-June and has been expanding into new markets, including central Asia and the Americas.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

But rising bond yields make safer government debt more attractive relative to stocks, while also reducing the present value investors assign to companies’ future earnings.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
At the same time, waste is still piling up and resale’s environmental footprint is rising.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of rise

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

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

Verb

In future windows, a younger, faster centre-back feels required to augment an ageing cohort, with Burn and Fabian Schar both 34 and only Malick Thiaw possessing much pace.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Every solution is designed to augment human expertise rather than replace it, ensuring AI strengthens decision-making while maintaining accountability, transparency, and trust.

— Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of augment

Verb

However, with multiple suppliers accelerating expansion, the eventual release of new capacity has raised fears of an inflection point in chip prices, which could threaten current high margins.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
But no one has generated that feeling more than Mahomes, starting with some jaw-dropping throws in his first NFL start in the 2017 regular-season finale and accelerating with his true debut in 2018 with 10 touchdown passes in the first two games.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of accelerate

Browse Nearby Words

incorruptible

increase

increased

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Style

“Increase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increase. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of increase

verb

noun

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