magnify

verb

ˈmag-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce magnify (audio)
Definition of magnifynext
1
as in to exaggerate
to add to the interest of by including made-up details there's no need to magnify the events of your trip in order to make it seem impressive

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2
as in to elevate
to assign a high status or value to his newfound fame as an actor has finally magnified him in the eyes of his perennially doubting family

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3
as in to intensify
to make markedly greater in measure or degree the movie's sound effects magnify every crash and boom in the action scenes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to celebrate
to proclaim the glory of imposing cathedrals that were built to magnify the Lord and to inspire awe in worshippers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 magnify The organization’s frustration is magnified by its conviction that the biggest players in entertainment are missing a wide-open market opportunity. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 June 2026 Red is immediately abducted, cut open in an ambulance, and injected with pain-magnifying drugs by his torturers, while Liz accidentally murders the mysterious man surveilling her next door. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026 Patrick Eddington, a senior fellow in homeland security and civil liberties at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, says giving police this capability magnifies its potential problems. — Meg Anderson, NPR, 19 June 2026 In the absence of an official investigation, the incident last September has been magnified, and perhaps embellished, in the minds of veterans living on the campus, a community defined by the vulnerability of physical disability, substance use and trauma. — Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnify
  1. exaggerate
  2. elevate
  3. intensify
  4. celebrate
  5. enhance
  6. promote
  7. heighten
  8. bless
Verb
  • One sure focus is the rampant grade inflation that exaggerates student achievement and has made graduating high school close to meaningless as an indicator of college preparedness.
    — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2026
  • Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Definition of exaggerate
Verb
  • Toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, were not elevated, according to air district data.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The black-eyed peas blended with garlic, tahini, and lemon makes for a smoky, zesty, and bright dish that elevates a standard hummus.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of elevate
Verb
  • Lane closures remained in effect, snarling traffic for several miles as rush hour intensified.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Brown was the subject of rampant trade rumors in recent weeks, with those intensifying after the Celtics’ attempt to flip him for Giannis Antetokounmpo failed.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • On Tuesday, more than a million fans took to the streets to celebrate Mexico’s advancement to the World Cup’s round of 16, a feat the national team hadn’t achieved since 1986, and with each victory, the human tide grows.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • As America begins to celebrate its 250th birthday on Saturday, there are nearly 800,000 customers without power as outages are reported across multiple states.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Definition of celebrate
Verb
  • More than 30 Will County schools will receive funds to enhance security thanks to $129,777 in grants awarded by the county from the state’s cannabis sales tax revenue.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • Good Chop is dedicated to providing the finest cuts of meat while promoting sustainable practices.
    — Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The company threw a lavish caviar party at Cannes and in May hosted panels promoting its cinematic tool at Amazon’s AI on the Lot event in Culver City.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of promote
Verb
  • Trump responded by saying their decision only heightens the importance of Congress passing the SAVE America Act, his effort to rewrite voter eligibility laws.
    — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • The environmental organizations raised concerns about the nearby data center’s potential effects, including noise and light pollution that could alter animals’ breeding patterns and potentially heighten their stress responses.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 30 June 2026
Definition of heighten
Verb
  • He has been blessed with terrific talent but clearly has melded that talent to win games and keep the clubhouse on the same page.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Despite his age, Messi is still blessed with breathtaking skill, and is also fiercely competitive, even at training.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of bless

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magnifies
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Cite this Entry

“Magnify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnify. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on magnify

Nglish: Translation of magnify for Spanish Speakers

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