aggrandizement

noun

ag·​gran·​dize·​ment ə-ˈgran-dəz-mənt How to pronounce aggrandizement (audio)
-ˌdīz
-ˌa-grən-ˈdīz-
plural -s
Synonyms of aggrandizementnext
: the act, action, or result of aggrandizing : advancement
their aggrandizement from low estate to social prominence
: enlargement
critics of his aggrandizement of federal powerB. N. Cardozo

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French agrandissement, going back to Middle French, from agrandiss-, stem of agrandir "to make larger, aggrandize" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aggrandizement was in 1656

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggrandizement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggrandizement. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aggrandizement

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!