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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of accretion
There’s also the potential for a trace of ice accretion.
—
Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
The two women’s stories crystallize only gradually in the course of the feature, through the accretion of tiny details that, like the arrival of the hostess in the first shot, emerge amid a profusion of related distractions.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Current models of super-Eddington accretion predict that these features should be weakened or absent when growth becomes so extreme.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026
The law allows the department’s board to grant land along rivers that have moved through accretion to an adjacent landowner, as long as the owner agrees to keep it as a public right-of-way.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
The two women’s stories crystallize only gradually in the course of the feature, through the accretion of tiny details that, like the arrival of the hostess in the first shot, emerge amid a profusion of related distractions.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Current models of super-Eddington accretion predict that these features should be weakened or absent when growth becomes so extreme.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026
The law allows the department’s board to grant land along rivers that have moved through accretion to an adjacent landowner, as long as the owner agrees to keep it as a public right-of-way.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accretion
Noun
-
Grease accumulation was observed on the ventilation hood filters.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
April 24,
Sacbee.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Midfielder Telasco Segovia also will sit out due to yellow card accumulation.—
Michelle Kaufman
April 24,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rain chances increase this afternoon with a focus from midafternoon through a bit beyond sunset expected.—
Ian Livingston,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The Pentagon's budget request this year also asked for more than $70 billion to procure missiles and related equipment, a nearly threefold increase compared to last year.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The result was a collection of photographs that both capture the culture and the people of Mexico and record Hurst’s particular proclivities, the food that fed his hungry eye.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Notable items from their collections include Charlotte’s Prada coat from the Spring 2023 Menswear collection and Miranda’s vintage Issey Miyake coat.—
Kailyn Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their action engendered a response from Democrats and a decision by California voters that canceled out the potential gains of Republicans in Texas by conducting a partisan gerrymander of their own.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The rights group warns that the move violates freedom of association and represents a direct assault on Tunisia’s democratic gains, vowing to challenge the decision in court.—
Ghaya ben Mbarek,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to racking up points with your favorite hotel brands or airlines, Orbitz offers exclusive members-only prices that save you money on current and future reservations.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In addition, the complex would have 79 one-family homes for sale.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the wide receivers room was in dire need of a boost.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The factors that have helped consumers keep their heads above water in the face of tariff price rises and oil inflation, to name a few—such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and tax refunds—aren’t frequent boosts to spending.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accretion. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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