“grow”

To grow or develop rapidly, especially in the early stages of flourishing.

“Wildflowers burgeoned across the hillside after the first spring rain.”

Best for: Works well in nature writing, business, or any context of rapid early-stage expansion.

To increase rapidly in number or spread widely across an area.

“Startups proliferated in the city once investors began flooding the market.”

Best for: Strong in analytical, journalistic, or scientific writing where scale and speed matter.

To accumulate or grow gradually over time, especially in value or quantity.

“Wisdom accrued slowly in her, the way sediment builds on a riverbed.”

Best for: Best for financial, philosophical, or slow-growth contexts where patience is implied.

To gradually increase in size, intensity, or power.

“His confidence waxed with every successful performance on stage.”

Best for: Elegant in literary or poetic writing; pairs naturally with 'wane' for contrast.

To blossom or develop into full expression, like a flower reaching its peak bloom.

“Her talent effloresced under the mentorship of the old composer.”

Best for: Highly literary and rare; ideal for describing creative, intellectual, or spiritual growth.

To sprout, bud, or multiply abundantly and rapidly from a source.

“Rumors pullulated through the town before dawn had even broken.”

Best for: Rare and visceral; excellent for describing organic, uncontrolled, almost swarming growth.