ENLARGE Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

enlarge

verb

in-ˈlärj

Definition of enlarge next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to free

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

Examples 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 The twin can be displayed on a screen or in virtual reality as a three-dimensional model that can be enlarged, rotated and examined by a team of experts. —

Kate Vitasek, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Use sheers instead to let in plenty of natural light and enlarge your space. —

Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2024 This act of dream-reading both enlarges his life and frees the dreams from their shelves. —

Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024 Another area of improvement for Waymo would be enlarging the text size on the tablet in the back seat. —

Steven Aquino, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enlarge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge

Verb

By all measures, the company exceeded all expectations thanks to customer participation and decided to significantly increase the initial pledge to $11 million.

Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
This agreement is taking placing just as Anaheim is set to increase minimum wages to nearly $20.50 an hour in the new year.

Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024