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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to liberate
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Since first announcing the Poseidon and Burevestnik in 2018, Putin has cast them as a response to moves by the United States to build a missile defense shield after Washington in 2001 unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and to enlarge the NATO military alliance.
—Reuters, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and polycystic ovaries, which are enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts.
—Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
The town gradually raised the money not just to reconstruct it but to enlarge and improve it, adding new facilities for disabled children.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Verb
Trusting her instincts, Arden took Fern to an emergency vet, where an ultrasound revealed that Fern’s heart was enlarged and fluid was building in her chest.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Since first announcing the Poseidon and Burevestnik in 2018, Putin has cast them as a response to moves by the United States to build a missile defense shield after Washington in 2001 unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and to enlarge the NATO military alliance.
—Reuters, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and polycystic ovaries, which are enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts.
—Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
The town gradually raised the money not just to reconstruct it but to enlarge and improve it, adding new facilities for disabled children.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 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 26 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share