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 Khamsi cites the example of hemimegalencephaly, a rare disorder in which half of the brain is abnormally enlarged. Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 Contemporary metal windows were taken out in favor of broad panes of glass framed by wood and a skylight above the stairs was enlarged, showing ways to bring more light into the dark townhomes they were sometimes tapped to reimagine. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Apr. 2026 The test likely indicates Kim is intent on enlarging and modernizing an arsenal of missiles capable of reaching the United States mainland. ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026 Dementia shrinks the brain and enlarges the space in the middle cavity as the disease kills off neurons. Will Croxton, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • Water testing has been temporarily increased to once a month at the Oceanside Harbor after someone reported seeing a suspicious liquid dumped from a boat.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This sprawling, unchecked population growth just increases water demand.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Moon moves through your 9th House of Perspective, expanding how your ideas are received.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • At Fremantle, Katrosar built and expanded a global advertising business across streaming, broadcast, social and branded partnerships.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • During the Iraq War, the popular narrative was that our heroic soldiers and marines were going in to liberate the people, free women, and topple a brutal dictator—the same nonsense we are fed now about Iran.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • That audience members, by virtue of access to a camera, keyboard, and the Internet, can capture, compile, edit, frame, and package an event as news without any regard to journalistic ethics is liberating and constraining at the same time.
    Shepherd Mpofu, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But they are expected to rise with tightening supplies of fuel and fertilizer.
    Mae Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • To address rising demand of lithium The USGS projects that global production capacity will double by 2029 to address rising demand from technology companies.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As the climate crisis accelerates and urban populations boom, wildfires across the world are becoming larger, burning hotter, and harder to tackle, experts told CNN.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Something else must be accelerating these particles, but scientists don’t yet know what.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That should free New England up Saturday to take some chances.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Kerr’s motion offense helped the Warriors become a dynasty by freeing up all-time great jumpshooters Curry and Klay Thompson, but some in the organization believe the offensive attack is too open to 3-point variance, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater.
    Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Veneers and crowns can cause temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort, while implants may lead to swelling and soreness in the first few days.
    K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While a warm, four-bar bassline chugs alongside dubby stabs and bouncy swells, BEA1991’s vocals switch from nonchalant monotone to falsetto in a way that sounds like an involuntary yelp of joy.
    Reid BG, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • These watercraft are meant to augment the Navy's ability to spot and track other ships.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
  • These watercraft are meant to augment the Navy’s ability to spot and track other ships.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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