Synonyms of enlarge

enlarge

verb

in-ˈlärj 

1

as in to increase

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number

as the number of people with cell phones enlarges, more transmission towers will have to be built

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increase
• expand
• rise
• accelerate
• swell
• multiply
• climb
• intensify
• accumulate
• spread
• proliferate
• wax
• roll up
• escalate
• gain
• mount
• appreciate
• boom
• jump
• balloon
• build up
• mushroom
• heighten
• snowball
• surge
• burgeon
• skyrocket
• inflate
• rocket
• redouble
• bulk
• peak
• distend
• puff (up)
• blow up
• crest
• crescendo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• recede
• contract
• dwindle
• wane

2

as in to expand

to make greater in size, amount, or number

with a new member of the family on the way, maybe we should consider enlarging the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expand
• increase
• accelerate
• augment
• boost
• extend
• multiply
• raise
• enhance
• amplify
• reinforce
• intensify
• maximize
• swell
• add (to)
• strengthen
• aggrandize
• escalate
• stoke
• supersize
• compound
• build up
• up
• pump up
• supplement
• lengthen
• jump
• inflate
• dilate
• prolong
• heighten
• magnify
• distend
• develop
• hype
• skyrocket
• elongate
• stretch
• complement
• protract
• bump (up)
• draw out
• flesh (out)
• spike
• boom
• ratchet (up)
• blow up
• accumulate
• collect
• amass
• beef (up)
• rachet (up)
• follow up
• parlay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• diminish
• decrease
• lessen
• downsize
• lower
• dwindle
• shorten
• subtract (from)
• abate
• curtail
• abridge
• abbreviate
• compress
• minify
• constrict
• condense
• contract
• de-escalate
• cut back
• retrench

3

as in to liberate

to set free (as from slavery or confinement)

like a wild animal enlarged from a leghold trap, the freed prisoner raced about

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liberate
• free
• save
• release
• rescue
• loosen
• enfranchise
• emancipate
• turn loose
• loose
• unfetter
• unbind
• spring
• uncage
• discharge
• unchain
• disenthrall
• redeem
• manumit
• bail (out)
• extricate
• ransom
• disengage
• disentangle
• parole
• deliver
• disembarrass
• disencumber
• unshackle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confine
• restrain
• bind
• fetter
• enchain
• shackle
• jail
• commit
• imprison
• handcuff
• lock (up)
• incarcerate
• conquer
• subdue
• subjugate
• enslave
• trammel
• intern
• manacle
• immure

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb enlarge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of enlarge are augment, increase, and multiply. While all these words mean "to make or become greater," enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

In what contexts can augment take the place of enlarge?

Although the words augment and enlarge have much in common, augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

When might increase be a better fit than enlarge?

The words increase and enlarge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition.

his waistline increased with age

increased her landholdings

Where would multiply be a reasonable alternative to enlarge?

While in some cases nearly identical to enlarge, multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of enlarge

Complications can include acne and similar skin problems, sleep apnea, skin reactions to patches or gels, steroid rage and emotional disorders, and enlarged breast tissue, according to StatPearls. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and later enlarged by the Romans, the theater stands among Sicily’s most iconic historic landmarks. — Dylan Jones, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

Onions need consistent moisture, especially once the bulbs begin to enlarge. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

With each emergency, laws were enacted, bureaus created, budgets enlarged, and civil liberties restricted. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 1 July 2026

Phrases Containing enlarge

• enlarge (on or upon)