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

But in another twist to the odd selection of Qatar to host the 2022 tournament, FIFA is looking into enlarging the number of competitors by 50 percent - four years before expansion was scheduled to begin. — Steven Goff, chicagotribune.com, "FIFA is considering a bigger World Cup in Qatar, one of the planet's smallest countries," 15 Apr. 2018 To help prevent erosion, her group has launched a project aimed at mitigating the impact of surface water by enlarging a basin at the upper parking lot in the Northwest section. — Frank Kummer, Philly.com, "Wissahickon park trees, trails took big storm hit, and more is on the way," 6 Mar. 2018 Sculley does not ask in her letter for alternatives to permanently closing Alamo Street and parts of Houston and Crockett streets, which would serve to enlarge the plaza space. — Scott Huddleston, San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonio officials request changes to controversial Alamo plan," 29 June 2018 The roller coaster loading station is formed by toy boxes that feature enlarged details down to the UPC barcode proof of purchase and the Milton Bradley logo. — Gabrielle Russon, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Disney Toy Story Land first look: Details bring attraction to life," 28 June 2018 It was built in the 1920s then purchased by the federal government during World War II to enlarge the Palm Beach Air Force Base. — Lisa J. Huriash, Sun-Sentinel.com, "West Palm in talks to get first Topgolf on city-owned course," 21 June 2018 As the show proceeds through the decades, the gallery walls lighten to teal, then robin’s egg blue, then white, supporting the sensation of an art form opening and enlarging. — Laura Jacobs, WSJ, "‘Icons of Style: A Century of Fashion Photography, 1911-2011’ Review: Capturing the Trend," 10 July 2018 An 82-24 vote provided the two-thirds majority needed to enlarge the purview of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. — Raf Casert, Fox News, "Watchdog gets authority to assign blame in chemical attacks," 27 June 2018 The city is spending $6 million to renovate and enlarge the stage, change the grade of the green to provide stadium-style seating and to build a pavilion with a meeting room and bathrooms. — John Tuohy, Indianapolis Star, "Opening of Fishers rebuilt amphitheater pushed back by construction delays," 30 May 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.