magnify

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verb

Definition of MAGNIFY

1

to add to the interest of by including made-up details <there's no need to magnify the events of your trip in order to make it seem impressive>

Synonyms color, elaborate (on), embellish, exaggerate, hyperbolize, magnify, pad, stretch

Related Words dress up, gussy up; amplify, enhance, enlarge (on or upon), expand, flesh (out); fudge, hedge; overdo, overdraw, overemphasize, overplay, overstate; emphasize, play up, stress; caricature; satirize

Near Antonyms belittle, minimize, play down, understate

2

to assign a high status or value to <his newfound fame as an actor has finally magnified him in the eyes of his perennially doubting family>

Synonyms aggrandize, canonize, deify, dignify, elevate, ennoble, enshrine, ensky, enthrone, glorify, magnify

Related Words boost, lift, promote, raise, upgrade, uplift; heighten, intensify; idealize, romanticize, sanitize, sugarcoat; acclaim, extol (also extoll), honor, laud, praise

Near Antonyms belittle, decry, depreciate, detract, disparage, minimize

Antonyms abase, degrade, demean, humble, humiliate

3

to make markedly greater in measure or degree <the movie's sound effects magnify every crash and boom in the action scenes>

Synonyms accentuate, amp (up), amplify, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen

Related Words broaden, enlarge, expand, extend, lengthen; accelerate, hasten, quicken; emphasize, point (up), sharpen, stress; augment, enforce, reinforce (also reenforce), restrengthen, supplement; maximize; enliven, jazz (up); aggravate, exacerbate

Near Antonyms decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue, tone (down), weaken; dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane; alleviate, ease, lighten

Antonyms abate, moderate

4

to proclaim the glory of <imposing cathedrals that were built to magnify the Lord and to inspire awe in worshippers>

Synonyms bless, carol, celebrate, emblazon, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, hymn, laud, magnify, resound

Related Words adore, belaud, deify, idolize, worship; acclaim, applaud, commend, compliment, hail, renown, salute; chant, cheer, eulogize, rhapsodize; cite; flatter; crack up, recommend, tout

Near Antonyms blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate; criticize, reprove; admonish, chide, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reproach; castigate, lambaste (or lambast)