enlarge

Definition of enlargenext
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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 The telescopic handle is widened for grip, and the wheels are enlarged and made from shock-absorbent material that rolls quietly. John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 While Studio Yellowdot expanded on the sculptural quality of pasta by enlarging the contours, others have taken a more granular approach. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026 As a musician, Holloway’s voice is inseparable from his identity and livelihood, and going on testosterone — which causes the vocal folds to thicken and lengthen, lowering pitch, while also enlarging the larynx — terrified him. Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Users can even enlarge the image or see more information about it. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • Since then, the damage has increased at an alarming rate, and many residents fear the end is near for the 53-year-old structure.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 7 June 2026
  • The recent strikes have increased the strain on the fragile truce between Washington and Tehran.
    Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Publix is set to open five new stores by early July, expanding its footprint in Florida and Kentucky as the grocery chain continues steady growth across the Southeast.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • As part of the deal announced Monday, Amazon will work with Corning on a new program to expand a fiber-optic technician training program at Catawba Valley Community College based in Hickory.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • After more than four years, Russia’s full-scale invasion has morphed into a grinding war of attrition where soldiers are being killed en masse, financial losses are piling up and Kyiv has started to liberate more land than Moscow has seized.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • Electrons liberated by the Krebs cycle then pass through another set of reactions that consume oxygen.
    Siddhant Pusdekar, Quanta Magazine, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Supply disruptions have also hit hard in Europe and Africa, where countries are responding to rising fuel costs and a considerable threat to food security.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 5 June 2026
  • Airlines have faced rising fuel costs as the conflict in Iran has disrupted global oil supplies and increased energy prices.
    City News Service, Daily News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Hufanga, who faced the Hill-Waddle tandem firsthand while playing for San Francisco back then, noted the duo’s ability to accelerate and decelerate to disguise in-breaking routes as deep routes and vice versa.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
  • The kingdom is also accelerating spending on defense — which has taken on an even greater importance because of the war with Iran — and investments tied to artificial intelligence, logistics, and infrastructure needed for Expo 2030 and the 2034 men’s soccer World Cup.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • The second season finale saw Deborah fire Ava to free her up to be her own person and chase her career, only for the two to boomerang back together.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • Orbit Robotics says its mission isn't to replace astronauts but to free them.
    Omar Kardoudi May 29, New Atlas, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Behind the glass sat a sea-foam green Hermes 3000, a pre-1966 model, instantly recognizable by its bulbous body and soft, swelling curves.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
  • Lucas Mukasa / Anadolu via Getty Images Angry protests swelled Monday, including in the central town of Nanyuki, which is set to host the quarantine center.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • From there, more would have to balance the trade financially, as well as in terms of prospects that could either augment Milwaukee’s mix or be flipped otherwise.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
  • Whatever the final cost, the program is clearly designed to build both new missile defense capabilities and to augment existing space infrastructure—creating exciting market opportunities for both traditional space primes and new market entrants.
    Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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