increase

increase

n.

1. Growth

   development, spread, enlargement, expansion, escalation, elaboration, optimization, burgeoning, swelling, addition, accession, incorporation, merger, inflation, appreciation, heightening, extension, dilation, multiplication, augmentation, rise, broadening, advance, gain, intensification, deepening, swell, amplification, progression, buildup, uptick, improvement, boost*, hike*, jump*, boom*; see also progress 1.

   Antonyms reduction*, decline*, decrease. *

2. An addition

   increment, accession, accretion, raise; see addition 2.

on the increase

increase

v.

1. To add to

   extend, enlarge, augment, expand, dilate, broaden, widen, thicken, deepen, heighten, build, lengthen, magnify, add on, multiply, escalate, let out, open out, further, mark up, sharpen, build up, raise, enhance, amplify, reinforce, supplement, annex, distend, swell, double, triple, stretch, intensify, exaggerate, blow up, aggravate, protract, prolong, aggrandize, redouble, boost*, raise the ante*, step up*, rev up*, jack up*; see also develop 1, improve 1, strengthen.

   Antonyms decrease*, reduce*, abridge. *

2. To grow

   rise, progress, develop; see grow 1.

increase, the general word in this list, means to make or become greater in size, amount, degree, etc. to increase one's weight, one's power, debts, etc.; enlarge specifically implies a making or becoming greater in size, volume, extent, etc. to enlarge a house, a business, etc.; augment, a more formal word, generally implies increase by addition, often of something that is already of a considerable size, amount, etc. to augment one's income; multiply suggests increase in number, specif. by procreation rabbits multiply rapidly