enlarge

verb

in-ˈlärj How to pronounce enlarge (audio)
Definition of enlargenext
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

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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

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 At least that seems to be the message from our winners this year in aviation, where the focus is just as much on technology gains and cabin refinement as on enlarging the airframe. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 18 June 2026 Gravitational lensing occurs when a large galaxy in the foreground of an observation enlarges a distant galaxy behind it, acting like a cosmic magnifying glass. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 Outside the vehicle, Zoox enlarged and repositioned its bidirectional reflectors, which help passengers and others identify the vehicle's front and rear. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 June 2026 In a press release, the USDA urged pet and livestock owners to check their animals for draining or enlarging wounds, maggots or egg masses, signs of discomfort and lesions in body openings, such as the nose, ears, genitalia, and umbilical area. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
  1. increase
  2. expand
  3. liberate
  4. rise
  5. accelerate
  6. free
  7. swell
  8. augment
Verb
  • The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The news came a day before Liz reported on Hong Kong’s beleaguered cinema market finally having an upturn, with overall box office revenues increasing by 25% thanks to a strong line-up of local and Hollywood releases.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Since then, the United States has expanded from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of expand
Verb
  • When the United States invaded the Philippines during the Spanish-American War, Twain naively imagined that the country would be liberated and turned into a republic.
    — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
  • Automation that was meant to liberate becomes a maze of fragile scripts and blame-shifting alerts.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of liberate
Verb
  • Roki Sasaki’s abysmal appearance faded away in the Dodgers’ 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, but only after the National League West leaders rose from a catatonic first inning.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The rising death toll comes as criticism of the government’s response continues to intensify.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of rise
Verb
  • The government is also working with private developers, banks and the real estate sector to accelerate temporary and permanent housing solutions.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Years of crippling sanctions have paralysed the economy as accelerating bouts of mass nationwide protests have been put down by security forces with increasing force — culminating in the killing of thousands of demonstrators in January.
    — Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of accelerate
Verb
  • Crews stabilized the pickup before performing a technical extrication to free the driver.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • The flywheel does not need to be replaced every 3-5 years and can be installed outdoors, freeing up more space and cash for compute.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Definition of free
Verb
  • This kind of abuse — and the swelling cost of cyberscams to victims around the world — has led to periodic crackdowns.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in otherwise healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially useful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.
    — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Definition of swell
Verb
  • About 100 shots in the film were augmented with AI, Erwin said, using a combination of platforms that aggregate AI tools such as Luma, Amazon’s Project Nara and Magnific.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 2 July 2026
  • Returns from European or Asian equities, when translated back into dollars, receive a currency tailwind that can meaningfully augment local-currency performance.
    — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of augment

Phrases Containing enlarge

Browse Nearby Words

enlacing
enlarge
enlarged
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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on enlarge

Nglish: Translation of enlarge for Spanish Speakers

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