Resume Synonyms for Grow

Want another word for Grow to use on your resume? Our team's compiled the most effective action verbs and synonyms you can use instead of the overused resume phrase, "Grow".

Kimberley Tyler Smith Author Photo
Compiled by: Kimberley Tyler-Smith
Senior Hiring Manager
20+ Years of Experience

If you have experience managing teams and growing businesses, the action verb 'grow' is an effective way to put those skills on display. You can take advantage of what the word 'grow' already implies in its meaning—taking something small and making it bigger—and showcase how well you've done this with examples from past work experiences.

Despite this, avoid using 'grow' repeatedly in your resume. Using a single word constantly to start your bullet points can be problematic because it can make the resume difficult to read and confuse the recruiter. It's also worth noting that, generally, using the past tense of a verb instead of its present form is preferable when writing past accomplishments.

To resolve this issue, use synonyms for the same concept you're trying to convey. For example, instead of saying, 'I grew our sales,' you could say, 'I increased our sales by 20%.' This way, you're still making it clear that you've grown something but keeping your sentence interesting and easy to read.

If you use synonyms, you can make your resume sound more professional and appealing to readers. It also allows you to convey concepts differently so recruiters can better understand what they're reading about.

I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Grow on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

Resume Synonyms for Grow:

  • Evolved
  • Increased
  • Broadened
  • Maximized
  • Acquired
  • Gained
  • Cultivated
  • Raised
  • Doubled
  • Fortified
  • Intensified
  • Enlivened
  • Capitalized
  • Revamped
  • Escalated
  • Multiplied
  • Surpassed
  • Outpaced
  • Lifted
  • Upgraded

How to replace Grow with a stronger action verb:

Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Grow, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.

Before: Weak example using Grow

Grew online community to 2500 users

After: Using a stronger synonymBuilt and managed a community of 2500+ users with over 70% engagement on Facebook with zero marketing spend through organic word-of-mouth marketing.

Replacing Grow with Developed

Before: Grow

Grew an efficient customer support team.

After: DevelopedDeveloped a customer support team of 10, enhancing user satisfaction by 30% over the course of a year.

As a hiring manager, I appreciated the inclusion of precise metrics revealing the impact of the candidate's efforts. I replaced the overused verb 'Grew' with 'Developed' to portray an active and constructive role the candidate played in the team's evolution.

Tip: I've prepared a ton of additional examples for you to give you inspiration. Please click on any of the following to expand and see real examples of how I've rewritten client bullet points.


How to use these synonyms in practice

We've put together an infographic to give you more examples of how to put this into practice. Note the use of strong action verbs instead of words like Grow.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Implemented on a resume:

Implemented crash reporter and used findings to fix three biggest causes of crashes; fixes reduced customer support calls by 30%.

How to use Promoted on a resume:

Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact - ahead of schedule by 12 months.

How to use Handpicked on a resume:

Handpicked by global head of operations from among 50+ senior associates to lead first-ever strategic alliance project with Company in Hong Kong.

How to use Managed on a resume:

Managed business relationships with 10 clients, including Volkswagen, Deutsche Bank and McDonalds and presented marketing strategies to senior management to drive ROI and re-engineer sales operations, generating $2MM+ in annual revenue.

How to use Overhauled on a resume:

Overhauled the obsolete legacy source code of two production applications, resulting in increased usability and reduced run time performance by 50%.

How to use Crafted on a resume:

Crafted strategic plan for a major client with revenues >$40B through insights from market trend analysis, organizational effectiveness diagnostic, and interviews with senior stakeholders.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Grow on a resume?

Here are some synonyms for commonly repeated words, like Grow, I see on resumes:

  • Enlivened
  • Intensified
  • Raised
  • Maximized
  • Gained
  • Evolved

What is another way of saying Grow on a resume?

Instead of passive phrases like Grow, use other words like Capitalized, Outpaced, Upgraded , Raised, Increased or Gained. Using these verbs will help your accomplishments and bullet points stand out on your resume.


Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

If you have a version of your resume ready, remember to get it checked using our free resume scanner below. It will make sure all your action verbs are strong enough, and give you feedback on any mistakes you might have overlooked, so you can fix them before a recruiter sees them.



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