aggrandize
verb
Did you know?
Aggrandize is a grand word, and we don’t just mean that in praise. The word literally traces back to the Latin adjective grandis, meaning "grand," and it has enhanced the English language for over three centuries. Nowadays, aggrandize is often paired with self (either the word or the prefix: to "aggrandize oneself" or to "be self-aggrandizing" is to glorify oneself, or to intently pursue power, wealth, and the like. It's of course great to take pride in a job well done, but we stan those who keep it real—after all, not every hit can be a grand slam.
Examples of aggrandize in a Sentence
Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Yet so far two major law firms, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP and Paul Weiss have given in to short term greed and paid off the don who lives in the White House and uses our government to extort money solely to enrich and aggrandize himself.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Its stunning collection spans five centuries of British art of state portraits, aggrandizing likenesses, provincial scenes and landscapes, with contemporary pieces strategically scattered throughout.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
In the Caribbean, San Juan’s rebirth following hurricanes and the pandemic is marked by an inaugural culinary festival, thanks to the very innovators who have aggrandized the tiny island’s bold flavors around the globe.
—Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aggrandize
Cite this Entry
“Aggrandize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggrandize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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aggrandize
verb
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