Increase, Raise, and Expand are strong opposites of “Reduce” in common contexts, with other choices fitting more specific shades of meaning.
Which Opposite of “Reduce” Fits Best?
Here are 15 opposites for reduce, followed by a brief explanation and example for each one.
- Increase
- Raise
- Expand
- Enlarge
- Boost
- Grow
- Amplify
- Intensify
- Augment
- Add to
- Multiply
- Extend
- Escalate
- Enhance
- Strengthen
Increase
Use Increase when the contrast centers on make greater in amount. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: An editor might choose “Increase” when reversing the sense of “Reduce” in a passage about make greater in amount.
Raise
Choose Raise when the contrast centers on move to a higher level. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: For a context centred on move to a higher level, “Raise” can move the meaning in the opposite direction from “Reduce”.
Expand
Consider Expand when the contrast centers on make broader or larger. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: A contrastive sentence may use “Expand” where “Reduce” would otherwise express make broader or larger.
Enlarge
Try Enlarge when the contrast centers on make physically bigger. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: When the relevant sense of “Reduce” is make physically bigger, “Enlarge” can provide the opposing wording.
Boost
Use Boost when the contrast centers on increase quickly or effectively. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: In editing, “Boost” is a plausible contrast when “Reduce” is being used for increase quickly or effectively.
Grow
Choose Grow when the contrast centers on become larger over time. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: A writer can set “Grow” against “Reduce” when the sentence turns on become larger over time.
Amplify
Consider Amplify when the contrast centers on increase strength or volume. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: Where “Reduce” carries the idea of increase strength or volume, “Amplify” can mark a useful reversal of meaning.
Intensify
Try Intensify when the contrast centers on make more intense. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: The wording “Intensify” works as a contrast when the surrounding context involves make more intense.
Augment
Use Augment when the contrast centers on add to size or value. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: A sentence opposing “Reduce” may use “Augment” if the intended issue is add to size or value.
Add to
Choose Add to when the contrast centers on plain phrase for increasing quantity. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: For the sense of “Reduce” connected with plain phrase for increasing quantity, “Add to” can sit on the other side of the contrast.
Multiply
Consider Multiply when the contrast centers on increase by repeated addition or reproduction. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: An editor could use “Multiply” to oppose “Reduce” in writing concerned with increase by repeated addition or reproduction.
Extend
Try Extend when the contrast centers on make longer or wider in scope. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: When a sentence needs the reverse of “Reduce” in the sense of make longer or wider in scope, “Extend” is one option.
Escalate
Use Escalate when the contrast centers on increase rapidly or seriously. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: The term “Escalate” can create a clear contrast with “Reduce” when the topic is increase rapidly or seriously.
Enhance
Choose Enhance when the contrast centers on improve quality or effect. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: In a passage about improve quality or effect, “Enhance” may be a better opposing choice than a looser antonym.
Strengthen
Consider Strengthen when the contrast centers on make more powerful or robust. It works as an opposite of reduce in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: A writer might pair “Strengthen” against “Reduce” when make more powerful or robust is the meaning being reversed.
Choosing the Right Antonym for “Reduce”
The strongest opposite of reduce depends on the sentence. Some choices express a direct reversal, while others fit only a particular setting, so check the intended sense before substituting one.