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
• wax
• spread
• proliferate
• roll up
• escalate
• balloon
• gain
• mount
• mushroom
• appreciate
• snowball
• boom
• jump
• burgeon
• build up
• heighten
• bourgeon
• surge
• skyrocket
• distend
• inflate
• rocket
• redouble
• bulk
• peak
• puff (up)
• crest
• blow up
• 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)
• reenforce
• 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 free

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

• free
• liberate
• save
• release
• rescue
• loosen
• enfranchise
• emancipate
• turn loose
• loose
• unfetter
• unbind
• spring
• manumit
• uncage
• unchain
• discharge
• disenthrall
• disenthral
• redeem
• 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

In a case from the 1990s, the city of Tigard, Oregon, demanded that, to enlarge her store, the owner of a plumbing supply business had to give up riverfront property and build a bike path. —James Burling, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025

Look for draining or enlarging wounds, as well as signs of discomfort. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025

My ambition was to enlarge the opportunity of use for the same clients—to dress them for daily use, for the office, and for their spare time. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

In the House, Democrats next week expect to enlarge their caucus and strengthen their push for transparency around Epstein. —Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing enlarge

• enlarge (on or upon)