accretion

noun

ə-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce accretion (audio)
Definition of accretionnext
1
as in accumulation
a mass or quantity that has piled up or that has been gathered over a period of time a thick accretion of ice in a freezer that obviously had not been cleaned for some time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in increase
something added (as by growth) accretions of lime have thickened the cave's stalactites and stalagmites over the centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of accretion Streaming algorithms by definition cannot manufacture that kind of slow accretion of cultural meaning. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 May 2026 Both insertions — one for art, the other for movement — negotiate with the museum’s history of accretion. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 May 2026 In Worcester County, the main impact will be ice accretion. — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 His concurring opinion in the tariffs case may become the Roberts Court’s most influential statement on how to prevent the steady accretion of executive power. — Jeffrey Rosen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accretion
  1. accumulation
  2. increase
  3. collection
  4. gain
  5. addition
  6. boost
Noun
  • Food safety experts say that the accumulation of outbreaks this summer is striking but that tracking the number of outbreaks — or recalls, for that matter — isn’t the best way to capture the risk from foodborne pathogens.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The measurements showed spin accumulation at the chiral copper surface, supporting the idea that the helical structure was creating spin polarization.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of accumulation
Noun
  • The city says there was a large increase in complaints in May, likely due to the end of the school year.
    — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The vaccine included a mumps strain called Urabe that was linked to an increase in meningitis in about 1 in 900 people who got that country’s original MMR vaccine — a higher rate than expected.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of increase
Noun
  • The pricing shows just how wide that opportunity has become, whilst a Voyageur Celina Backpack sits at around $495, the brand’s McLaren luggage collection can reach $2,695+.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The English poet Peter Bayley used it in an 1803 poetry collection to describe a painting of Jesus.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of collection
Noun
  • Such headwinds are unfamiliar for Reform, which had previously been in the ascendancy, leading national opinion polls and enjoying historic gains in local elections.
    — Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Later in the game, Williams caught a downfield hitch and broke a tackle for a 25-yard gain.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of gain
Noun
  • Then there’s the hotel’s latest addition as of April, The Baths.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Marc Cucurella’s transfer to Madrid and Lucas Digne’s to PSG are the only new additions to the list from this summer’s window.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of addition
Noun
  • If your shampoo of choice doesn’t have peppermint as a critical ingredient, try adding a few drops to the bottle for a boost.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The problem appears especially glaring in thinner fields that could desperately use a boost in the competition — like this year’s limited series crop.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of boost

Browse Nearby Words

accreting
accretion
accretions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accretion. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on accretion

Nglish: Translation of accretion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accretion

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