magnify

verb

mag·​ni·​fy ˈmag-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce magnify (audio)
magnified; magnifying
Synonyms of magnify

transitive verb

1
a
: extol, laud
While they magnified the art, they often belittled the artist …—Havelock Ellis
b
: to cause to be held in greater esteem or respect
2
a
: to increase in significance : intensify
… real drama … will use ugliness to magnify beauty …—Alan Mickle
b
: exaggerate
magnifies every minor issue to crisis proportions
3
: to enlarge in fact or in appearance
The lens magnified the image 100 times.

intransitive verb

: to have the power of causing objects to appear larger than they are
a glass that magnifies greatly

Synonyms of magnify

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Examples of magnify in a Sentence

The sound was magnified by the calm air. His failures have been magnified by the success of his friends. I don't want to magnify the importance of these problems. The lens magnified the image 100 times. a magnified view of the image
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The stakes are higher, the portfolios more complex, and the emotional impact of volatility can be magnified by legacy and family considerations. — David Rae, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 In recent years, Engelbert’s communication style has been criticized and magnified by these players who aren’t afraid to air their grievances publicly. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026 These anxieties are magnified by other changes, even subtle ones. — Huong Le-Thu, Time, 22 July 2026 Margin debt — money investors borrow from brokers to buy stocks, using existing securities as collateral —amplifies buying power and potential gains, but can also magnify losses. — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English magnifien, from Anglo-French magnifier, from Latin magnificare, from magnificus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnify was in the 14th century

Rhymes for magnify

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Browse Nearby Words

magnifier
magnify
magnifying glass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnify. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

magnify

verb
mag·​ni·​fy ˈmag-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce magnify (audio)
magnified; magnifying
1
: extol, praise
2
a
: to increase in importance
b
: exaggerate
3
: to enlarge in fact or in appearance
a microscope magnifies an object seen through it
magnifier
-ˌfī(-ə)r
noun

Medical Definition

magnify

verb
mag·​ni·​fy ˈmag-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce magnify (audio)
magnified; magnifying

transitive verb

: to enlarge in appearance

intransitive verb

: to have the power of causing objects to appear larger than they are

More from Merriam-Webster on magnify

Nglish: Translation of magnify for Spanish Speakers

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