increase
verb (used with object)
to make greater, as in number, size, strength, or quality; augment; add to.
were 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.
Data from parental control app Qustodio in August showed that under-16s in Australia were increasing their use of social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok despite the ban.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
In March Sir Keir told MPs that ministers were increasing defence spending by £270bn.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
Producers including the Brazil, Kazakhstan, United States and Venezuela were increasing their production, and China was trying to cut its imports, it added.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
Nearly three times as many executives at companies using or exploring AI said they were increasing junior-level hiring in 2026 than cutting back, a new report shows.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026
There was no doubt that the hard-core troublemakers were increasing their activities, and without the men of the 101st, they increased a hundredfold.
From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals
