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Discussing synonyms for “grow” prompts us to look at the word’s many applications: from the literal act of increasing in size to the metaphorical development of ideas or emotions. We find ourselves surrounded by words that encapsulate the essence of expansion and development in every sphere of life, whether we’re nurturing a garden, cultivating a skill, or nurturing a relationship.
Grow Synonyms
What Is “Grow”?
“Grow” is a versatile verb that primarily refers to the process of increasing in size, quantity, or quality. This term can relate to living organisms, personal development, or the expansion of concepts and ideas.
List of Synonyms for Grow
- Develop
- Increase
- Expand
- Flourish
- Mature
- Rise
- Enlarge
- Sprout
- Cultivate
- Strengthen
- Enhance
- Escalate
- Multiply
- Swell
- Advance
- Bloom
- Thrive
- Progress
- Augment
- Blossom
- Heighten
- Intensify
- Evolve
- Extend
- Amplify
- Boost
- Wax
- Accrue
- Proliferate
- Magnify
- Elevate
- Propagate
- Build
- Spread
- Shoot up
- Germinate
- Burgeon
- Improve
- Enrich
- Aggrandize
- Deepen
- Widen
- Broaden
- Accelerate
- Gain
- Embellish
- Reinforce
- Foster
- Nourish
- Nurture
- Snowball
- Mushroom
- Upsurge
- Exalt
- Inflate
- Compound
- Mount
- Upscale
- Surge
- Appreciate
- Fortify
- Bolster
- Soar
- Protract
- Diversify
- Elongate
- Lengthen
- Distend
- Fatten
- Bulk up
- Fill out
- Beef up
- Ramp up
- Scale up
- Step up
- Pick up
- Hike up
- Pump up
- Build up
- Move up
- Roll up
- Bump up
- Crank up
- Jack up
- Ratchet up
- Skyrocket
- Spruce up
- Turn up
- Upraise
- Uptick
- Supplement
- Tack on
- Top up
- Upgrade
- Uplift
- Upsize
- Vegetate
- Wing
- Work up
- Add to
- Annex
- Become larger
- Become longer
- Become more numerous
- Become wider
- Blow up
- Branch out
- Breed
- Bulk
- Capture
- Climb
- Concentrate
- Consolidate
- Construct
- Dilate
- Elaborate
- Flower
- Gather
- Get bigger
- Get larger
- Get wider
- Grow rapidly
- Hike
Types of Synonyms for Grow
Developmental Growth
- Cultivate: Often used in an agricultural sense or in personal development.
- Foster: Implies encouragement of growth over time.
Physical Increase
- Enlarge: Used for something becoming bigger in size.
- Stretch: Suggests an expansion in length or area.
Quantitative Expansion
- Multiply: Indicates an increase in number or quantity.
- Accumulate: Relates to a gradual gathering or increase.
Business and Economic Growth
- Expand: Common in business to describe increasing the scope of operations.
- Thrive: Implies prosperity and robust growth.
General Synonyms
- Develop: A broad term applicable to many forms of growth.
- Mature: Often relates to the natural progression towards maturity.
Common Synonyms for Grow
Grow vs. Increase
“Grow” often implies a natural or gradual development, while “increase” can be used for both organic growth and numeric or quantifiable escalation.
- Over the years, the small startup began to grow into a successful multinational corporation.
- The company reported a 20% increase in sales compared to the previous quarter.
Grow vs. Expand
“Expand” usually refers to something becoming physically larger or broader in scope, whereas “grow” can refer to an increase in size, number, or extent.
- Our team grows in number each year as the company flourishes.
- We plan to expand the patio to accommodate more guests.
Grow vs. Enlarge
“Enlarge” tends to suggest an increase in size by an external action or intervention, as opposed to “grow,” which generally indicates an internal process.
- The trees in the orchard grow quickly during the spring.
- The photo was enlarged to poster size for the exhibition.
Grow vs. Develop
While “develop” can refer to grow, it often connotes a process of evolution or maturation from a simpler to a more complex form or stage, often involving progression through stages or the addition of features.
- Her interest in photography has grown into a passionate hobby.
- Over time, the caterpillar will develop into a butterfly.
Synonyms for Grow in Different Contexts
Evolution and Development
- Advance: We’ve seen our strategies advance rapidly over the past quarter.
- Evolve: Our understanding of genetics has evolved significantly.
Agricultural and Gardening
- Cultivate: We cultivate a wide variety of vegetables in our community garden.
- Propagate: By learning to propagate cuttings, we can create new plants.
Physical Increase and Enlargement
- Enlarge: Our goal is to enlarge the park by next spring.
- Expand: The company is planning to expand its operations abroad.
Absolute and Near Synonyms of Grow
Absolute Synonyms for Grow
| Synonym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cultivate | To nurture and help something develop. |
| Raise | To cause to grow, especially through careful attention. |
| Propagate | To breed specimens of a plant or animal by natural processes. |
| Germinate | To begin to grow from a seed or spore. |
Near Synonyms for Grow
| Synonym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Develop | To grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate. |
| Expand | To increase in size, volume, number, or scope. |
| Flourish | To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way. |
| Ripen | To become fully developed or matured. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some elegant terms used to describe the process of growth?
In our vocabulary, we often use terms such as “evolution” and “progression” to elegantly articulate the process of growth, indicating a certain sophistication or natural advance.
Can you list alternative words that represent growth and development?
Certainly, when we discuss growth and development, words like “maturation,” “advancement,” and “enrichment” often come to play, each adding a different nuance to the concept of progressing.
Which word can be used interchangeably with develop?
“Develop” can be interchangeably used with “cultivate.” We might cultivate skills or relationships in much the same way one would develop them.
How would you express the concept of maturing using synonyms?
To express maturing, we may use “ripening” or “coming of age.” These terms often refer to the acquisition of wisdom or experience typically associated with maturity.
What’s another term for blossoming or thriving?
When we see someone or something blossoming or thriving, we might say they’re “flourishing.” This word captures the vigor and successful expansion of the subject in question.
Which word could replace increase when talking about expansion or growth?
In our conversations about expansion or growth, “escalation” could replace “increase.” This synonym conveys a sense of upward movement or amplification.
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