enlarge

1
2
3

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enlarge Use oversized or frameless bathroom mirrors above the vanity to help reflect light and visually enlarge the space. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025 Use sheers instead to let in plenty of natural light and enlarge your space. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025 Energy blasts defeat enemies while water can help plants grow or enlarge sponges. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025 One of his targets: Columbia University, which was looking to enlarge its campus back then, according to the New York Times. Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • Autism rates increased, again: But RFK Jr. diverges from CDC report about the reason.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA), the filing threshold was increased to $11,580,000 in 2020, and $11,700,000 in 2021 and is adjusted for inflation thereafter through 2025.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The men were freed after prosecutors agreed to vacate their convictions in 2014.
    Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025
  • Wirtz’s potency in the final third would attract attention and could free up Pep Guardiola’s talented front line.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Strong floral aromatics as well as aromas of marshmallows, candy cane, Tunisian rose and buttered toast in this wine with 12.8 percent alcohol.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • If sea levels continue to rise, urban areas may have to consider taking drastic action to prevent flooding and other disruption to city life.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently, a shift in technology and user behavior might accelerate the conclusion of the agreement.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Witnesses told police the SUV appeared to accelerate directly at the family.
    Bethany Brown, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Audiences had to liberate a cadre of musicians from hypnosis and do so by concocting scenarios in which the club’s proprietor was continually forced to leave the room.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
  • Do what creatively liberates you, don’t cater to the data!
    Elias Leight, Billboard, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • December 2012 Intense pain, swelling, and overwhelming fatigue worsen.
    Health, Health, 20 May 2025
  • The wheat fields practically glow golden-yellow, the citizens work and mingle while wearing gorgeous and colorful clothes, and the music swells and soothes with ancient vibes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Automate Administrative Tasks Generative AI can help augment your human capital efforts by taking over routine tasks.
    Heather Peters, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on enlarge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!