enlarge

verb

en·large | \ in-ˈlärj ,

en- \

enlarged; enlarging

Definition of enlarge

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

Other Words from enlarge Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about enlarge

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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

Pets that become infected can exhibit symptoms including fever, lethargy and enlarged lymph nodes in the head and neck, according to the county. — Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown, "Rabbit found in Tinley Park tests positive for tularemia," 19 June 2018 The revenues from that tax hike would cover not only the expansion, which would enlarge the center by 400,000 square feet of rentable space, but also help underwrite the cost of services and housing for the homeless, as well as pay for road repairs. — Lori Weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Terms of $33M deal set for taking control of San Diego convention center expansion site," 7 June 2018 Following tests, surgery may be needed if the mass is enlarging or already large, or if there is pain, distortion of the breast shape or skin changes. — Philly.com, "Can teenage girls get breast masses?," 9 July 2018 In a subgroup of 17 boys with autism who have enlarged brains, however, the researchers found increased folding in five areas of the cortex that sit along a line dividing the hemispheres. — Rachel Zamzow, Scientific American, "Brains of Children with Autism Show Unusual Folding Patterns," 9 July 2018 Based on the results reported so far, Sarepta is enlarging what is now a small single-arm clinical into a larger study that will enroll more Duchenne patients and include a placebo arm. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, "With tantalizing early results, Sarepta’s gene therapy for Duchenne raises hopes for ‘real change’," 19 June 2018 Her spleen became enlarged because the sickle cells built up in it, so doctors gave her transfusions. — Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "You'd never know this happy-go-lucky 2-year-old has sickle cell anemia. But it's always on her mom's mind.," 11 June 2018 After being constantly victimized by the dominant Mexican gangs, El Salvadoran immigrants banded together for protection, thus enlarging their membership and force. — USA TODAY, "Live stream: President Trump at roundtable on threat from MS-13," 23 May 2018 Digital zoom just crops and enlarges the photo, making your photo look fuzzy and dull. — Wired Staff, WIRED, "How to Take Awesome Photos of Fireworks," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enlarge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.