magnification

noun

mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of magnifying

2

a

: the state of being magnified

b

: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument

called also power

Synonyms of magnification

• exaggeration
• enhancement
• caricature
• coloring
• stretching

Examples of magnification in a Sentence

We used a microscope to examine the cells under magnification.

At higher magnifications the differences between the cells become clear.

Recent Examples on the Web

Begin with your lowest magnification eyepiece‚ typically 25mm on a beginner’s model, for the widest field of view. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026

An optometrist eventually diagnosed her with presbyopia and added magnification to her prescription. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026

The individual surgeon who holds the punch tool, who studies your scalp under magnification, who decides where each graft goes—that person can have a significant influence on your result. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

The update also adds some customization options to Widgets, a more precise magnification tool, and improved stability with certain Bluetooth devices. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for magnification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

magnification

noun

mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of magnifying

2

a

: the state of being magnified

b

: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument

called also power

Medical Definition

magnification

noun

mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of magnifying

2

a

: the state of being magnified

b

: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument that is the ratio of the dimensions of an image formed by the instrument to the corresponding dimensions of the object

called also power