Synonyms of enlarge

enlarge 1 of 2

verb (1)

in-ˈlärj 

1

as in to increase

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number

as the number of people with cell phones enlarges, more transmission towers will have to be built

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increase
• expand
• rise
• accelerate
• swell
• multiply
• climb
• intensify
• accumulate
• wax
• spread
• proliferate
• roll up
• escalate
• balloon
• gain
• mount
• mushroom
• appreciate
• snowball
• boom
• jump
• burgeon
• build up
• heighten
• bourgeon
• surge
• skyrocket
• distend
• inflate
• rocket
• redouble
• bulk
• peak
• puff (up)
• crest
• blow up
• crescendo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• recede
• contract
• dwindle
• wane

2

as in to expand

to make greater in size, amount, or number

with a new member of the family on the way, maybe we should consider enlarging the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expand
• increase
• accelerate
• augment
• boost
• extend
• multiply
• raise
• enhance
• amplify
• reinforce
• intensify
• maximize
• swell
• add (to)
• strengthen
• aggrandize
• escalate
• stoke
• supersize
• compound
• build up
• up
• pump up
• supplement
• lengthen
• jump
• inflate
• dilate
• prolong
• heighten
• magnify
• distend
• develop
• hype
• skyrocket
• elongate
• stretch
• complement
• protract
• bump (up)
• draw out
• flesh (out)
• spike
• boom
• ratchet (up)
• reenforce
• blow up
• accumulate
• collect
• amass
• beef (up)
• rachet (up)
• follow up
• parlay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• diminish
• decrease
• lessen
• downsize
• lower
• dwindle
• shorten
• subtract (from)
• abate
• curtail
• abridge
• abbreviate
• compress
• minify
• constrict
• condense
• contract
• de-escalate
• cut back
• retrench

3

as in to free

to set free (as from slavery or confinement)

like a wild animal enlarged from a leghold trap, the freed prisoner raced about

Synonyms & Similar Words

• free
• liberate
• save
• release
• rescue
• loosen
• enfranchise
• emancipate
• turn loose
• loose
• unfetter
• unbind
• spring
• manumit
• uncage
• unchain
• discharge
• disenthrall
• disenthral
• redeem
• bail (out)
• extricate
• ransom
• disengage
• disentangle
• parole
• deliver
• disembarrass
• disencumber
• unshackle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confine
• restrain
• bind
• fetter
• enchain
• shackle
• jail
• commit
• imprison
• handcuff
• lock (up)
• incarcerate
• conquer
• subdue
• subjugate
• enslave
• trammel
• intern
• manacle
• immure

enlarge (on or upon)

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to develop

to express more fully and in greater detail

in your complaint, don't just say that your neighbor has been harassing you; enlarge on what you mean by that

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expand
• develop
• supplement
• flesh (out)
• elaborate (on)
• dilate (on or upon)
• add (to)
• amplify
• complement
• run on
• discourse
• expatiate
• ramble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shorten
• contract
• condense
• summarize
• sum up
• compress
• abridge
• outline
• abbreviate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of enlarge

Verb

Use oversized or frameless bathroom mirrors above the vanity to help reflect light and visually enlarge the space. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025

Use sheers instead to let in plenty of natural light and enlarge your space. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025

Energy blasts defeat enemies while water can help plants grow or enlarge sponges. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025

One of his targets: Columbia University, which was looking to enlarge its campus back then, according to the New York Times. —Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing enlarge

• enlarge (on or upon)