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
  • On the one hand, the newfound freedom is liberating.
    Ashlee Gadd, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
  • Michelle has felt particularly liberated in speaking her mind.
    Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • As tensions rise between the United States and China over trade, technology, Taiwan and military influence, the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is increasingly shaping global politics and national security debates.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 15 May 2026
  • The national debt has surpassed the GDP, Social Security and Medicare face looming financial crises, inflation is rising, families are struggling — and yet Congress does nothing.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 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
  • That freed up Plum to be in position to score, setting up a much more efficient Sparks offense.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
  • Towers has been freed after posting $30,000 bail.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • As the teen continued to deteriorate, his right arm began to swell two or three times more than his left, and his wound began leaking fluid.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 12 May 2026
  • During the expedition’s first ten days, the ship navigated a strong storm, with ocean swells reaching two to three metres.
    Akash Kapur, New Yorker, 12 May 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 16 May. 2026.

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