enlarge

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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 In 1924, the San Diego City Council enlarged the reserve to about 1,000 acres, and the southernmost 100 acres were set aside as a golf course. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025 After renovations that enlarged that space and added shelving on three sides, the overflow room became the always-flowing room, one of the sets for Hurwitz’s videos. David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025 Some risks of testosterone therapy include worsening sleep apnea, acne, enlarging the prostate or breasts, increasing growth of prostate cancer, reducing sperm counts, causing the testicles to shrink and increasing the risk of clots, according to Mayo Clinic. Shiv Sudhakar, NBC news, 14 July 2025 Eventually, the spots enlarge, and the entire leaf may be killed and dropped off the plant. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • Decades of research and studies in agriculture have increased production across all crops in the U.S., said James, and cannabis can adopt those same technologies.
    Julie Weed, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The poll also showed that Trump's approval remains unchanged from March at 46 percent, while his disapproval increased by 1 point to 52 percent.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The 8000 was born after the engineers at GE Aerospace reconfigured the Passport’s software and McCullough’s team expanded the fuel capacity in the wings.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
  • Once a colony forms, more ants will follow and the colony will start to expand.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The raptor stayed on top of her, even as the woman’s partner tried to free her.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • And, of course, using social media less could also free up more time for parents to spend playing with their kids.
    Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Sales rose 7% in the second quarter compared with Q2 2024 and 12% in 2025’s first half.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Those are the three names president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski mentioned as rising to the occasion in the bullpen when asked earlier on Monday.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • As for Nowak’s question about the possibility of AWS’ growth rate accelerating in the back half of the year, Jassy wouldn’t directly answer it but stressed his optimism, in part stemming from AWS customers starting to deploy more AI products at scale that should continue to ramp in coming quarters.
    Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This substantial increase in funding is intended to support the administration's efforts to accelerate deportations in pursuit of fulfilling President Trump's goal of removing one million individuals within a year.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The courage to do so calls for finding ways to liberate yourself from the inside out when pushing against external structures—whether that be pushback from friends or family who might criticize you for pursuing your desires to systems that weren’t set up to support you to succeed.
    Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • What happened to Edward and Fritz Niland after the war ended? Edward was found alive in a Japanese POW camp in Rangoon and liberated on May 4, 1945.
    Emily Krauser, People.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • This leads to swelling and a build-up of fluids in the area, which can cause cloudy vision and other changes.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025
  • The body also produces less albumin - a protein that helps maintain fluid balance - leading to swelling in the legs and abdomen.
    Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • This is among the greatest strengths of AI—augmenting human capabilities.
    Hank Boughner, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Royals must win games and remain in the playoff mix in order to keep their current roster together — and perhaps even augment it.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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