enlarge

verb

en·​large in-ˈlärj 

en-

enlarged; enlarging

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

in-ˈlär-jə-bəl 

en-

adjective

enlarger noun

Synonyms

• increase
• expand
• rise
• accelerate
• swell

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

This was to enlarge the area of protection around Chaco Canyon, which is sacred to many Indian tribes. —Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Putin’s conditions for ending the war in Ukraine include a demand that Western leaders pledge in writing to stop enlarging NATO eastwards. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 29 May 2025

In other words, building more roads or enlarging existing roads ultimately creates more traffic. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025

Beyond the usual face washes and toners that cleanse, tighten enlarged pores, and gently exfoliate, a top-notch trousseau for oily skin includes face masks and treatments designed to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the pores congestion-free. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing enlarge

• enlarge on/upon

Rhymes for enlarge

• discharge
• litharge
• recharge
• surcharge
• barge
• charge
• large
• marge
• sarge
• targe
• overcharge

Kids Definition

enlarge

verb

en·​large in-ˈlärj 

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 

enlarged; enlarging

transitive verb

: to make larger

intransitive verb

: to grow larger