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 Paralleling this fiery drama is a slower accretion of changes to the city’s fabric, which convey an almost tectonic sense of time’s passage. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 The clearest examples of margin accretion from AI adoption come from companies where the AI application is direct and the output is measurable. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 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 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
  • Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches with 8 to 10 inches along the highest mountain peaks.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This cancer is caused by the accumulation of certain genetic mutations that prevent rectal cells from repairing DNA damage and accounts for 5-10% of rectal cancers.
    — Alice Park, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of accumulation
Noun
  • Maine, North Carolina and Ohio also have seen increases of more than 30% in early in-person and mail voting compared with the same point in 2022.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Washington State reported a much lower $86 million for 2026; however, that’s an increase of $11 million from 2025, as the athletic department has returned to a budget equal to the final year of the old Pac-12 in fiscal 2024.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of increase
Noun
  • Marshall’s medical debt practices After the two candidates took the stage, Holt asked Marshall to respond to criticism of his medical debt collection practices.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
  • At some point, Bernard decides to give a bedroom tour, showing off his collection of Blink-182 and Fall Out Boy posters.
    — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of collection
Noun
  • Chinese automakers’ gains in Britain show how quickly consumers will consider a new competitor when the product delivers.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Existing bank account takeover A criminal gains access to your existing checking account, savings account, retirement account or payment app.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of gain
Noun
  • The addition to SpaceX’s GAAP profits per share would be minuscule.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The addition of this ad so close to Election Day roiled races in Ohio up and down the ballot.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of addition
Noun
  • This year, thanks to the surge in oil prices caused by the war in Iran, Diamondback’s second-quarter profits per share more than doubled from last year; Wall Street expects another boost when third-quarter earnings are released in a few weeks.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The biggest gains are in the Nasdaq , which is getting a boost from SpaceX's 8% post-earnings pop and gains in chip stocks.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of boost

Browse Nearby Words

accreting
accretion
accretions
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Cite this Entry

“Accretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accretion. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on accretion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accretion

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