Definition of augmentnext

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 Long Beach will augment its normal emergency preparedness actions for the storm and continuous impacts from a potentially historic El Niño, city spokesperson Laath Martin wrote in a statement to The Times. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Aftermarket devices that can boost or augment a vehicle’s native advanced driver assistance systems are the target of a new federal investigation this week. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026 There is also ample storage, augmented by a big walk-in pantry. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026 The macro 2026 mission will be to mine moments of impact from the young players, as shown by Caleb Douglas, Jacob Rodriguez, Chris Bell and Michael Taaffe in Las Vegas, and to augment them, start stacking them up. — Keven Lerner, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
Verb
  • Contributions would increase depending on family size, with a family of four expected to pay $500,000, officials said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Europe in particular appears vulnerable to increasing borrowing costs, with inflation in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all exceeding analysts’ expectations.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The same architecture can now support another round of measurements from orbit as the constellation expands.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The episode ultimately reunites Constance with two of her children, Tate and Adelaide (Jamie Brewer), as the season continues to expand its connections to the show’s earlier installments.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • New data showed that growth accelerated faster than expected in the second quarter.
    — Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • There are more conflicts today than at any time since the Second World War, and climate disasters are accelerating.
    — Jeannie Annan, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The government has unveiled a new housing support scheme to boost the property market.
    — Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Gua sha uses flat blunt tools, often pink quartz, to press and scrape across the skin to relieve muscle tension and boost blood circulation, according to L’Oréal Paris.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Augment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/augment. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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