As more people noticed her, the applause grew.

As more and more countries were named and their people stood proudly, the applause grew louder, merely because of the increased numbers.

The applause above them grew still louder.

The applause grew as I stepped along.

You get to realize that gradually, as the applause grows.

He stood at the top of the stairs for a full minute while the applause, which had been warm to begin with, grew and grew.

The applause grew louder, and people called out her name with frantic affection.

She was near tears as she heard the applause grow again.

As if on cue, the applause grew louder.

The applause that had greeted the opening sentences had been gradually growing fainter, and at the last word it stopped suddenly.