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
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Relevance
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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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlarge
James Burling, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
Look for draining or enlarging wounds, as well as signs of discomfort.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
My ambition was to enlarge the opportunity of use for the same clients—to dress them for daily use, for the office, and for their spare time.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In the House, Democrats next week expect to enlarge their caucus and strengthen their push for transparency around Epstein.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Verb
In a case from the 1990s, the city of Tigard, Oregon, demanded that, to enlarge her store, the owner of a plumbing supply business had to give up riverfront property and build a bike path.
—James Burling, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
Look for draining or enlarging wounds, as well as signs of discomfort.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
My ambition was to enlarge the opportunity of use for the same clients—to dress them for daily use, for the office, and for their spare time.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In the House, Democrats next week expect to enlarge their caucus and strengthen their push for transparency around Epstein.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Cite this Entry
“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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