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 Finishing projects a day or week ahead of schedule, with their scope enlarged and their insights expanded. Suzy Welch, CNBC, 8 May 2025 Fetterman — who has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, and auditory processing disorder, a complication from the stroke — has talked openly about his struggle with depression and urged people to get help. Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 Readers in some sense rewrite a text, enlarging its scope through their imagination, creating a whole world by bringing into play their skills, their memory, their dreams and their personal history, with all its drama and symbolism. Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025 Played by Sarah Sherman, she was portrayed with an exaggerated British accent and enlarged false teeth. Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • Hair's porosity will increase in response to the voids in your hair when the cortex and medulla are damaged.23 Low-porosity hair is identified by its tightly closed cuticles, which are reluctant to absorb water, hair products, or oils.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025
  • Under the federal Pact Act of 2022, which increased eligibility for VA services, 1.5 million more veterans are now eligible for the services in Massachusetts.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Dowling’s donation comes as Northwell, New York’s largest health care provider, is actively lobbying the city government on a plan to expand its Lenox Hill Hospital complex on the Upper East Side, filings show.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • The terminal was expanded in 2023. 2012: Paul Konerko hit a tie-breaking three-run home run — his 400th with the Chicago White Sox — in a 12-6 win over the Cleveland Indians.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Then, in March, an appeals court acquitted Lee, freeing him to campaign in the snap election.
    Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • He was freed on parole from the Terre Haute, Indiana, federal penitentiary on Nov. 30, 1948, after serving 32 months of his five-year prison sentence.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Insurance premiums have risen 24% on average in recent years, according to the Consumer Federation of America.
    Michael Copley, NPR, 23 May 2025
  • But rising temperatures also appear to be making many species smaller.
    Benji Jones, Vox, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Businesses ready to explore how crypto payments can accelerate growth are invited to connect directly through the Vantack platform.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Comment with strategy and purpose The next secret to accelerated growth lives in your LinkedIn commenting strategy.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Season 2 offers a chilling, darkly hilarious and oddly liberating spin on a bad day at the office.
    Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Even drinking a large glass of water can remind you to turn off the work-thoughts and liberate yourself to focus on everything else.
    Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • December 2012 Intense pain, swelling, and overwhelming fatigue worsen.
    Health, Health, 20 May 2025
  • The wheat fields practically glow golden-yellow, the citizens work and mingle while wearing gorgeous and colorful clothes, and the music swells and soothes with ancient vibes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Sperling initially designs his work in black and white, later adding color to augment his vision.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • That motor augments the rider's pedaling power up to a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), automatically triggered by a torque sensor on the bike's crankset.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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