Synonyms for "grow"

8 kid-friendly synonyms for grow, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "grow" mean?

The word grow is a verb that means: to get bigger over time.

Example: "Plants grow in the sun."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for grow

Younger kids can use these in place of "grow":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for grow

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for grow

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of grow (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of grow:

FAQ — synonyms for grow

What is a good synonym for grow in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try rise. For older students, "expand" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does grow have?
We list 8 grade-appropriate synonyms for grow across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is grow a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, grow is used as a verb.

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