Another Word for Increase: 20 Synonyms with Examples
Increase means to become or make larger in number, amount or degree. In reports, a more exact verb tells the reader how big or how fast the rise was.
As a verb: become greater
- rise
- grow
- climb
- go up
- expand
- escalate
- multiply
As a verb: make greater
- raise
- boost
- enlarge
- extend
- heighten
- intensify
- step up
As a noun: a rise in amount
- rise
- growth
- gain
- surge
- jump
- upturn
- expansion
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- rise
- Neutral and common for figures, prices and temperatures.
- grow
- Suggests gradual, steady increase, often of something living or developing.
- raise
- Someone deliberately makes something higher, such as prices or awareness.
- escalate
- Increases rapidly and usually for the worse, such as costs or conflict.
- surge
- A sudden, large increase.
- intensify
- Increases in strength or force rather than in number.
Example sentences
- rise: Rents rose by eight per cent in the city centre last year.
- grow: The reading club has grown from six members to forty.
- raise: The school raised its fees for the first time in a decade.
- escalate: The dispute escalated when neither side would return to talks.
- surge: There was a surge in bookings after the festival was announced.
- intensify: The storm intensified overnight as it moved inland.
Opposite of increase
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “increase”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: addition, increment
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “increase”?
The most useful alternatives are “rise”, “grow”, “climb”, “go up”, “expand”. For the main sense (become greater), “rise” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “rise” and “grow”?
rise: Neutral and common for figures, prices and temperatures. grow: Suggests gradual, steady increase, often of something living or developing.
What is the opposite of “increase”?
Common antonyms are “decrease”, “reduce”, “decline”, “fall”.