enlarge

1 of 2

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

enlarger

2 of 2

noun

en·​larg·​er

-jə(r)

plural -s

: one that enlarges

specifically : an optical projector used to produce a photographic enlargement

Synonyms of enlarge

Verb

• 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

Verb

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

Verb

At least that seems to be the message from our winners this year in aviation, where the focus is just as much on technology gains and cabin refinement as on enlarging the airframe. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 18 June 2026

And if that doesn’t work out, please enlarge your circle of friends. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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