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 treatment can target skin issues like fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores and uneven texture. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026 Ralph later renovated the property by raising the roofline and enlarging the terraces and windows to better frame the water views. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 May 2026 During that period, the team renovated and enlarged many of the rooms. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 May 2026 While the obvious and understandable assumption will be that Newcastle are now prioritising remaining at and enlarging St James’ over moving to a new state-of-the-art stadium next door, club sources insist that is not the case. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • Becerra’s support increased by 9 percentage points in a little more than two weeks when compared with the May 9-10 Emerson results.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • But even on a per-square-foot basis, the price has increased 33%.
    Allison Schrager, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The deal with Curry, who is a household name in China, is expected to further boost Li-Ning’s popularity in the country and help expand the brand’s market share in the US.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic?
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 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
  • Previously, the show has been hosted by former Love Island contestant Maura Higgins, who rose to fame as a finalist in the fifth series of the ITV2 reality series in 2019.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
  • The death toll from the explosion of a chemical tank in Washington state has risen to eight, officials said on May 28.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • That’s another bill that doesn’t include her name because a Senate version of the legislation, which was designed to accelerate biomedical research, is what eventually passed, Owens said.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • The consumer demand, in both African domestic markets and globally, is documented and accelerating.
    Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 31 May 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
  • Liquid fuel rockets will always have their inherent limitations, as will any systems that hope to augment or replace them.
    David Szondy May 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
  • 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, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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