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 As men age, the prostate enlarges, increasing PSA levels. Daniel J. Stone, Twin Cities, 4 June 2025 This was to enlarge the area of protection around Chaco Canyon, which is sacred to many Indian tribes. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Putin’s conditions for ending the war in Ukraine include a demand that Western leaders pledge in writing to stop enlarging NATO eastwards. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 29 May 2025 In other words, building more roads or enlarging existing roads ultimately creates more traffic. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • In a LinkedIn post, Farley called for speeding up permitting processes, increasing spending on vocational training, leveraging robotics and augmented reality to help with these spaces and suggested an AmeriCorps-type program for these roles.
    Breana Noble, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Under such a scenario, production would rapidly increase as would dollars facilitating same.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Mari said the strike has now expanded to include Teamsters in California and Washington state, and that upwards of 4,000 union members are now in the midst of a work stoppage.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 14 July 2025
  • The Teamsters union has also expanded picketing to several other locations, with many employees at those sites honoring the picket lines, the company said.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 14 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
  • The authors note this is consistent with statewide rising rates of obesity, which may be playing a role.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • But in 2025, with economic anxiety rising, Virginia's economic situation is just shaky enough to take it down a few pegs.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Flooding that started slow was quickly accelerating.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Whether through the Deloitte Global FoF framework or others, leaders can benefit from taking a structured approach to investing in smart operations and to accelerating the convergence of IT and OT.
    John England, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Determined to liberate Panem, Katniss and her fellow rebels embark on a dangerous journey into the heart of the Capitol to save the nation from President Snow’s tyranny once and for all.
    Kelly Martinez Published, EW.com, 5 July 2025
  • Technology leaders must liberate their technology roadmap to serve the business first and technology vendors last.
    Rob LaMear, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Oral allergy symptoms include swelling and itching around your mouth, tongue, lips, throat and entire face.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • He was received graciously, and the volunteers mustered a crew to add his donations to the swelling stock of supplies.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Choose solutions that augment human intelligence—leveraging AI, behavioral science and automation to unlock capacity, not just cut costs.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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