Boost Your Crossword Skills with this Clever Clue Solution

As a detective, my first step in solving the mystery of this crossword clue is to examine the clues surrounding it. I would take into account the length of the word, the placement of the clue on the crossword grid, and any letters that may already be filled in. I may also consider synonyms for the word “increases“, such as “grows” or “expands“. Upon careful consideration, I would quickly realize that the word that best fits the criteria is “gains“. It is a five-letter word that fits perfectly within the space provided and is a well-known synonym for the word “increases“. Additionally, the word “gains” has a strong and active connotation, indicating a sense of growth or progress. Thus, “gains” is the clear and definitive answer to this cryptic crossword puzzle clue.