enlarge

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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 It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and polycystic ovaries, which are enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts. Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025 The town gradually raised the money not just to reconstruct it but to enlarge and improve it, adding new facilities for disabled children. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025 Testosterone can increase the chances of the prostate becoming enlarged, causing blockage of urine. Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025 Let’s continue to enlarge the circle of liberty. Richard Stengel, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • Wild news in the Financial Times this morning, which reports that China has substantially increased energy subsidies for some of its largest data centers in a bid to bolster its position in the global AI race.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Rising prices for cars, parts and repairs needed, and medical bills have increased, driving up the price of insurance.
    NPR, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to WeRide and Pony AI, Baidu is also expanding its robotaxi offerings through its Apollo Go vehicles.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That includes a new and robust collaboration with Brazil’s federal government and 22 of its states—including Pará—to expand cooperation on climate action.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • That was the theater of ecstasy that would liberate him from the body.
    Mark Schilling, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Millions remain far from liberated from economic pressure, and few of us feel burdened by an excess of free time.
    Arianna Huffington, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The number of foreign residents has risen sharply in recent years, reaching a record 3 percent of the population in 2024, as Tokyo cautiously loosened visa rules for workers in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and caregiving.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In that appearance, Thilly moonwalked across the floor and performed a backspin before using his allotted five minutes to complain about rising taxes, according to CBS News New York.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The open-source project has been used by millions of scientists in more than 190 countries, accelerating research into diseases previously considered intractable.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Southern China’s tropical to subtropical climate – with heavy rainfall, heat, and humidity – accelerates chemical weathering, while the region’s long history of tectonic and magmatic activity adds further erosion.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Thuram drags Tchouameni into the space on the left and Koopmeiners runs towards Cambiaso, freeing up Yildiz to receive in space.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Mele was freed when police linked Locci and Lo Bianco's murders to other killings that had happened when he was incarcerated.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • She was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery, during which doctors removed part of her skull to relieve swelling.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Venezuela’s armed forces comprise roughly 109,000 active personnel, but the total number swells when paramilitary and reserve units are included.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Created in partnership with the bionic footwear and apparel brand Dephy, the next-gen design is engineered to augment natural lower-leg and ankle movement, providing extra power for everyday exercise.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Queen Camilla augmented her monochrome attire with sheer black tights and a pair of Eliot Zed black suede pumps with a leather toe cap.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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