increase
verb (used with object)
to make greater, as in number, size, strength, or quality; augment; add to.
was increasing
-
past progressiveof increase.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
They believed there was increasing political pressure on the Russian leader, but that this did not pose a critical challenge to his power.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
On Tuesday, the IEA warned that the renewed fighting in the Middle East was increasing concerns over energy supplies.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
The share of paid-in-full accounts was increasing before last year’s tax law, she noted.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
Authorities thought they had started to chill the tank on Friday but later learned that the temperature was increasing by a degree an hour, boosting pressure and increasing the threat.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 24, 2026
But the idea of any thing to be done in a moment, was increasing, not lessening, Mr. Woodhouse’s agitation.
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
