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 Pininfarina has also enlarged the side air intakes, visually emphasizing the rear fenders. New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025 The rear wheel arches of the Geely EX5 prototype appear to have been enlarged to accommodate rims capable of rotating 90 degrees, which could noticeably reduce interior space. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 13 Dec. 2025 Netflix would have to enlarge the idea of itself as not just a streaming pioneer, but a steward of a very worthy and necessary theatrical experience. Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025 Each started as a clay model before being enlarged and cast in bronze, then coated in chrome. Nick Remsen, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • Winds will also increase, especially at the coast, gusting between 25- 35 mph at times.
    Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Future Amazon Leo satellites are expected to orbit at lower altitudes of around 366 miles (590 km), which will further increase their brightness.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jennie headlined Coachella as a solo artist while expanding her fashion ventures.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In recent years, auction houses have expanded their categories as luxury goods and collectibles have helped buoy their sales.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • She was sent to Ravensbrück and then to Bergen-Belsen, where she was liberated by the British Army in April 1945.
    Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Art is a beautiful way of showing Black children, and children in general, that Black people are beautiful, and that our stories and the stories of our families move us forward and liberate us as well.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Growth in services consumption outpacing goods expenditure largely reflects rising average income levels and would likely have occurred even without policy support, said Duncan Wrigley, chief China economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • As the temperature rose, Mccullough said some workers clocked off at lunchtime, and other businesses closed early.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The race to commercialize perovskite technology has accelerated rapidly in recent years.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The transfer portal, which opened Friday, allows programs to accelerate the rebuilding process and replace departing players — more than 20 in Florida’s case.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • By smashing together heavy atoms of lead traveling at near-light speeds using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), scientists can create a high-energy environment that briefly frees gluons and quarks from this atomic bondage, recreating the quark-gluon plasma of the early universe.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Though fumble recoveries are mostly about good fortune, the process of freeing the ball can often be technique-driven.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Side effects reported from Adam’s first human trial included mild bruising and swelling from the procedure, though these were minimal and resolved within 24 hours.
    Ana Castelain, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Interconnection queues have swelled to historic levels, with gigawatts of ready-to-build generation projects waiting years for grid connection studies and upgrades.
    Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This innovative approach not only speeds the design process but also frees up designers to focus on more creative tasks, demonstrating how AI can be used as a tool to augment human creativity rather than replace it.
    Li Jun, Footwear News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Powell levels could be augmented by Upper Basin contributions to protect infrastructure.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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