1
as in expands
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
2
as in rises
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
1
as in boosts
something added (as by growth)
shortly after he turned 12, he had a sudden height increase
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accumulations
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of increases
Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Pushing frozen branches upright quickly increases the chances of breakage.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Each additional full bath increases a home’s value by about 32%, whereas an extra bedroom adds just 5%.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
The broad strokes have been well-known — the ticking of a woman’s biological clock increases risk of miscarriage and infertility, often caused by eggs with the wrong number of chromosomes, the structures that carry DNA.
—Carolyn Y. Johnson, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Self-control increases your confidence (and cash)!
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
For the state’s community college system of 116 campuses — the largest in the country — the budget proposal increases funding by about 9%.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
The jackpot now increases to $215 million.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
However, normalizing sleep deprivation increases the risk of the signs and symptoms going unnoticed or not being taken seriously.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
The cooldown ended a monthslong acceleration of price increases and offered some relief for households strained by cost hikes.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent reassessments in parts of West Garfield Park, North Lawndale and Englewood illustrate a broader problem, with increases that go far beyond routine market movement.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
The agreement limits cost increases that Hartford HealthCare can impose at Manchester and Rockville for a period of two years, according to the agreement.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
Baltimore leaders cited state partnerships, along with hiring increases, for the historic drop in violent crime.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The report specifically called out New York City for having the largest hotel price increases at 27 percent, and noted that flights to Austin had the largest jump at 21 percent.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Consumer tech giants including Dell and Xiaomi have already warned their customers about price increases.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
In both cases, Xcel Energy said the rate increases would cover investments the company has made over the past few years.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
But there are several notable categories where the quality increases with cost, and one of those is noise-canceling headphones.
—Noun
Now that prices for eggs and coffee have come down, those price increases have stayed.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for increases
Verb
-
This foldable tote bag packs flat, expands instantly, and can carry souvenirs, beach gear, or laundry.—
-
That's how the music conveys that, expands it.—
Verb
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When wet clothes are placed near exterior walls—which are much colder than interior walls in the winter—moisture rises to the cold surface, creating the perfect conditions for trapping moisture and causing mold growth.—
-
During this season, sap rises to the top of the tree.—
Noun
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Ford said a potential merger could bring enhanced police coverage, easier operations, long-term financial boosts and infrastructure improvements.—
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Big-time pay boosts shift out of the DOC and into the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for our fourth place spot.—
Noun
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However, there is the potential for a more significant lake effect snow band to impact parts of Central New York, between Oswego and Watertown, with possible accumulations of over 6 inches in some spots.—
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Heavy snow has been affecting Washington since earlier this week, with the biggest accumulations reported on mountains, according to the National Weather Service field office in Seattle.—
Verb
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The Honda accelerates, colliding with two parked vehicles and a light post.—
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The nation’s siloed and shrinking media environment accelerates this trend.—
Verb
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While the number of retirees swells, the pool of workers funding the social safety net — and caring for the aging population — is narrowing.—
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There's a sort of a natural world religiousness or spirituality or philosophy that swells around a lot of things and different characters.—
Noun
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California’s situation seemed wobbly throughout most of autumn, with numerous high-profile layoff and business closing announcements, shrinking pay raises, and challenges with bill payments.—
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Graham Hoffman, president of the ski patrollers’ union, confirmed that 70 members of the union accepted the offer, which was made earlier this week and included raises for the patrol.—
Noun
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The new convention center may help, as have the additions of parks and green space throughout the neighborhood, and the Arts District remains a hotspot for prestigious entertainment.—
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Angel City Football Club’s week of additions ended Friday with the acquisition of defender Emily Sams in a trade with the Orlando Pride.—
Cite this Entry
“Increases.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/increases. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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