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 It is not yet known whether the Mets will augment their front office. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 By law, federal agencies cannot augment congressional appropriations. — Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 North Korea has also become an industrious manufacturer of war drones, augmenting Moscow’s capacity to produce the unmanned aerial vehicles that have defined the conflict. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026 This includes engaging resources in law enforcement to augment security for members who are working in high risk areas. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for augment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for augment
  1. increase
  2. expand
  3. accelerate
  4. boost
Verb
  • There are also increasing concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could escalate, amid reports that CIA chief John Ratcliffe have made a secretive Moscow trip to warn Russia against attacking NATO.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Friday starts dry in the Twin Cities with clouds and temperatures increasing through the afternoon.
    — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Unitree’s recent slump has raised concerns about how Beijing may boost emerging strategic sectors without stoking a speculative frenzy.
    — Anniek Bao,Elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Last year, Tatcha launched a Longevity collection inspired by Okinawan rituals, which so far includes a skin-boosting serum and cream, respectively.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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