accrue

American  

[uh-kroo] / əˈkru /

verb (used without object)

accrued, accruing

1. to happen or result as a natural growth, addition, etc.

   Synonyms:

   gather, collect, accumulate

   Antonyms:

   scatter, dissipate, disperse, dispel

2. to be added as a matter of periodic gain or advantage, such as an employment benefit or interest on money.

   Paid time off is accrued weekly, at a rate of one hour per week.

   Synonyms:

   increase, grow

   Antonyms:

   lessen, diminish, decrease, dwindle

3. Law. to become a present and enforceable right or demand.

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accrue British  

/ əˈkruː /

verb

1. to increase by growth or addition, esp (of capital) to increase by periodic addition of interest

2. (often foll by to) to fall naturally (to); come into the possession (of); result (for)

3. law (of a right or demand) to become capable of being enforced

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Usage

What does accrue mean? Accrue means to grow and accumulate naturally or to be added periodically. It’s especially used in the context of finance to refer to the growth of interest in an account.The past tense of accrue (accrued) can also be used as an adjective describing something that has been accumulated, as in accrued interest.The noun form of accrue is accrual.In law, accrue means to become a legal right.Example: A retirement fund allows money to accrue over the course of your career so that you can support yourself once you stop working.

Other Word Forms

• accruable adjective
• accruement noun
• nonaccruing adjective
• superaccrue verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of accrue

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English acruen, acrewen, probably from Anglo-French accru(e), Middle French accreu(e), past participle of ac(c)resitre “to increase,” from Latin accrēscere “to grow”; ac-, crew ¹, accretion

Example Sentences

Smaller but real tailwinds could accrue to insurers with maternal and pediatric products, hospital operators with obstetrics and fertility exposure, preschool and education providers, and travel companies if family-friendly tourism gets sustained policy support.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Or, in the case of credit cards, they mesmerize you with the many glamorous perks you can acquire, failing to note the debt you may accrue in the process.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

“Obviously, employees are an important part of our state and they accrue vacation time,” Hoover said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

Plan 2 loans accrue interest from the day they are taken out, at a rate of 6.2% while you're studying.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

He knew the praise was premature, but the banquet hinted at the greater glory that would accrue to him at fair’s end, provided of course the exposition met the world’s elaborate expectations.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• accumulate
• amass