Accrue — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈkrü/ ac·crue

Meaning & Definition of Accrue

Accrue (verb)

  1. to accumulate or be added periodically
  2. to come about as a natural growth, increase, or advantage
  3. to come as a direct result of some state or action

Accrue (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to increase in amount as time passes

    "They accrued vacation time throughout the calendar year."

    "A penny-pincher who is accruing a fortune by spending next to nothing."

    similar: accumulate, amass, collect, double (in), triple (in), enhance, enlarge, enrich, expand, extend, maximize, boost, elevate, jack (up), mount, ramp (up), step up, build up, gain, gather, grow (in), pick up
    opposite: abate, decline (in), diminish (in), dip, dwindle, fall (in), lessen, taper, taper off, decrease (in), lose

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Accrue

The most common words with a similar meaning to Accrue:

accumulate, amass, collect, double (in), triple (in), enhance, enlarge, enrich, expand, extend, maximize, boost, elevate, jack (up), mount, ramp (up), step up, build up, gain, gather, grow (in), pick up

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Accrue

Words with the opposite meaning of Accrue:

abate, decline (in), diminish (in), dip, dwindle, fall (in), lessen, taper, taper off, decrease (in), lose

Word Forms of Accrue

Inflections: accrued, accruing

Derived words: accruable (adjective), accruement (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Accrue

Middle English acrewen, acruwen, probably borrowed from Anglo-French *acreue "increase," noun derivative from feminine of acreu, past participle of acreistre "to increase, grow," going back to Latin accrēscere, from ad- ad- + crēscere "to grow" crescent:1

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Accrue

Frequently Asked Questions about Accrue

What does "Accrue" mean?

"Accrue" means to accumulate or be added periodically. As a verb, it is defined as: to accumulate or be added periodically.

What is another word for "Accrue"?

Other words for "Accrue" include accumulate, amass, collect, double (in), triple (in), enhance, enlarge and enrich. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Accrue" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Accrue"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Accrue". Common alternatives include accumulate, amass, collect, double (in), triple (in), enhance, enlarge, enrich, expand and extend.

What is the opposite of "Accrue"?

Antonyms of "Accrue" include abate, decline (in), diminish (in), dip, dwindle, fall (in), lessen and taper.

How do you use "Accrue" in a sentence?

Examples of "Accrue" in a sentence: "They accrued vacation time throughout the calendar year."; "A penny-pincher who is accruing a fortune by spending next to nothing.".

Is "Accrue" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Accrue" is a verb.

Is "Accrue" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Accrue" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Accrue"?

"Accrue" is pronounced /ə-ˈkrü/ and divided into syllables as ac·crue.