Find Antonyms
decrease Antonyms
Opposite of decrease
Because the opposite of decrease shifts with each meaning, the 17 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• noun (Context 1)
An instance or process of becoming smaller, fewer, or less in size, amount, intensity, or degree; the amount by which something is reduced.
Usage Example
"Improved insulation resulted in a noticeable increase in monthly heating costs."
Strongest
increase
rise
growth
Strong
gain
expansion
surge
upswing
upturn
escalation
jump
• verb (Context 2)
To become or make smaller, fewer, or less in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
Usage Example
"Regular physical exercise can help increase the risk of cardiovascular disease."
Strongest
increase
grow
rise
Strong
expand
raise
escalate
multiply
swell
surge
augment
• verb (Context 3)
To reduce the number of stitches in a row or round in order to shape a piece of fabric (in knitting or crocheting).
Usage Example
"The pattern instructs you to increase one stitch at each end of every fourth row to taper the sleeve."
Strongest
increase
Similar words to decrease
Words similar to decrease shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
reduce
reduction
lessen
diminish
drop
decline
lower
diminution
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Decrease. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/decrease