enlarge

verb

en·​large in-ˈlärj How to pronounce enlarge (audio)
en-
enlarged; enlarging
Synonyms of enlargenext

transitive verb

1
: to make larger : extend
enlarged the family fortune with new investments
2
: to give greater scope to : expand
education may enlarge one's view of the world
3
: to set free
enlarge a captive

intransitive verb

1
: to grow larger
2
: to speak or write at length : elaborate
let me enlarge upon that point
enlargeable adjective
enlarger noun
Choose the Right Synonym for enlarge

increase, enlarge, augment, multiply mean to make or become greater.

increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity

his waistline increased with age

; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition.

increased her landholdings

enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Examples of enlarge in a Sentence

We had the photograph enlarged. as the number of people with cell phones enlarges, more transmission towers will have to be built
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Young said another growing area of interest is hair health as early findings suggest copper peptides may help enlarge hair follicles, prolong the hair-growth cycle and improve scalp circulation, though such research is inconclusive and ongoing. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 June 2026 In a press release, the USDA urged pet and livestock owners to check their animals for draining or enlarging wounds, maggots or egg masses, signs of discomfort and lesions in body openings, such as the nose, ears, genitalia, and umbilical area. Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 By offering the watch party to soccer fans who otherwise should be able to attend in person at a stadium just 20 minutes away, these economists say the governments of New York City and state are patching a hole that FIFA deliberately designed to enlarge. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 June 2026 The Tates had paid to have her teeth fixed, and then to have her breasts enlarged. Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlarge

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enlarger, enlargir, from en- + large broad, large

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlarge was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlarge. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

enlarge

verb
en·​large in-ˈlärj How to pronounce enlarge (audio)
enlarged; enlarging
1
: to make or grow larger : increase, expand
2
: to give more details : elaborate
enlarge on a story
enlarger noun

Medical Definition

enlarge

verb
en·​large in-ˈlärj How to pronounce enlarge (audio)
enlarged; enlarging

transitive verb

: to make larger

intransitive verb

: to grow larger

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