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 simulation enlarged first one disc and then another by the same growth factor, and so on. Quanta Magazine, 4 May 2026 The amygdala, the seat of fear, enlarges. Big Think, 1 May 2026 My enjoyment was always hampered by trying to manipulate and enlarge the grid. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026 Another important thing … was to create or enlarge the public space that Michael [Govan] had started to create between his buildings. Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • But ultimately, Ayton needs to increase his scoring at the rim, Redick said.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
  • His most fulfilling moment was when the fourth calf was born in the wild last year, an indication that the bongos are thriving in their native habitat and that their population will certainly increase.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • There are numerous suites in the mix that expand upon the space, and anyone booking an executive category room enjoys access to the 25th-floor club lounge.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • Together, the movements reflected an apparent effort to insulate some of Iran's remaining military and aviation assets from the expanding conflict, even as officials publicly served as brokers for de-escalation.
    James LaPorta, CBS News, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • During the Iraq War, the popular narrative was that our heroic soldiers and marines were going in to liberate the people, free women, and topple a brutal dictator—the same nonsense we are fed now about Iran.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • That audience members, by virtue of access to a camera, keyboard, and the Internet, can capture, compile, edit, frame, and package an event as news without any regard to journalistic ethics is liberating and constraining at the same time.
    Shepherd Mpofu, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The crackdown—which came amid a shrinking economy, rising costs, tax increases, and Ukrainian drone strikes on the country’s energy sector—led to a rare outburst of public discontent and an equally uncommon acknowledgment of the dissatisfaction from Putin.
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • Gas prices have surged and inflation is rising.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • The analytics group says that most Middle East cargoes loaded before the war have now been discharged, meaning the inventory drawdown will accelerate and local refining will slow.
    Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • The figure has really accelerated since 2017, though, driven in a large part by cost—to live a better quality of life at a lower cost and to have access to affordable healthcare and housing in later years.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s decision on how to engage with those discussions was shaped in part by the prospect of freeing its prisoners.
    Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • In an emergency filing, state officials said the high court's decision about Louisiana's congressional map should free Alabama from having to use a map that included a second majority-Black district to comply with the civil rights law.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Veneers and crowns can cause temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort, while implants may lead to swelling and soreness in the first few days.
    K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While a warm, four-bar bassline chugs alongside dubby stabs and bouncy swells, BEA1991’s vocals switch from nonchalant monotone to falsetto in a way that sounds like an involuntary yelp of joy.
    Reid BG, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Russia soon augmented its capabilities by acquiring Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 loitering munitions from Iran.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • Semafor’s journalists helped fill in the gaps by augmenting the readout with reporting that wasn’t captured in the transcript.
    Gina Chua, semafor.com, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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