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
• spread
• proliferate
• wax
• roll up
• escalate
• gain
• mount
• appreciate
• boom
• jump
• balloon
• build up
• mushroom
• heighten
• snowball
• surge
• burgeon
• skyrocket
• inflate
• rocket
• redouble
• bulk
• peak
• distend
• puff (up)
• blow up
• crest
• 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)
• 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 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

• liberate
• free
• save
• release
• rescue
• loosen
• enfranchise
• emancipate
• turn loose
• loose
• unfetter
• unbind
• spring
• uncage
• discharge
• unchain
• disenthrall
• redeem
• manumit
• 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

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

Recent Examples of enlarge

Verb

With bases scattered across the region, threats to American interests are constant, and each one becomes a new argument for enlarging the footprint. — Michael Fuchs, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026

To be successful now is to achieve the satisfaction of one’s greed, which of course is enlarged by every additional prospect of satisfaction. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

The pitch has already been rolled for the next one to be enlarged to 64. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Rehabilitation phases would take 2 to 5 years, modernization up to 10 years, and expansion—which would include enlarging treatment facilities in major cities and providing for industry and agriculture—would take more than 10 years, Cueto said. — Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Phrases Containing enlarge

• enlarge (on or upon)