increase
verb (used with object)
to make greater, as in number, size, strength, or quality; augment; add to.
had increased
-
past perfectof increase.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In July the company had increased its spending estimate for the whole year to $145 billion, up from $130 billion, which is nearly double what it spent in 2025.
From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026
Turness started on a similar salary in 2022, but that had increased to between £445,000 and £449,999 in her last year before leaving the role.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
Lafontaine noted that visits to Target had increased every month this year, reflecting the company’s push to bring more relevant styles to shelves at lower prices.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026
The poll found that Becerra’s lead over Hilton had increased slightly since an August IGS poll, and the Democrat now holds a 25-percentage-point advantage.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026
The officials of the tannery had increased as well.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
