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 Let’s continue to enlarge the circle of liberty. Richard Stengel, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 And lengthening it is a cinch—just hook it up to the faucet; the water pressure flowing into the hose will enlarge it for you. Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025 Look for draining or enlarging wounds, as well as signs of discomfort. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025 My ambition was to enlarge the opportunity of use for the same clients—to dress them for daily use, for the office, and for their spare time. Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlarge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge
Verb
  • The cuts come after Chegg in May laid off 22% of its workforce, citing increasing adoption of AI.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2025
  • With increasing space traffic from various nations and private companies, keeping tabs on potential collisions and threats becomes crucial.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When a snowstorm blows up suddenly and socks in the entire area, Lester and Mike begin a search that soon expands with the aid of local neighbors and law enforcement.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Functional Fabric Fair has also expanded its speaker programming to provide forward-thinking insights and solutions to current challenges.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Thuram drags Tchouameni into the space on the left and Koopmeiners runs towards Cambiaso, freeing up Yildiz to receive in space.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Mele was freed when police linked Locci and Lo Bianco's murders to other killings that had happened when he was incarcerated.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The number of foreign residents has risen sharply in recent years, reaching a record 3 percent of the population in 2024, as Tokyo cautiously loosened visa rules for workers in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and caregiving.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In that appearance, Thilly moonwalked across the floor and performed a backspin before using his allotted five minutes to complain about rising taxes, according to CBS News New York.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The open-source project has been used by millions of scientists in more than 190 countries, accelerating research into diseases previously considered intractable.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Southern China’s tropical to subtropical climate – with heavy rainfall, heat, and humidity – accelerates chemical weathering, while the region’s long history of tectonic and magmatic activity adds further erosion.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Change is uncomfortable, but this transit is here to liberate you in unexpected ways.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Warsaw doctors likewise wrote about patients whose hearts failed after they were fed; when Allied soldiers liberated the concentration camps, large numbers of emaciated people died after being given high-calorie foods such as chocolate.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • She was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery, during which doctors removed part of her skull to relieve swelling.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Venezuela’s armed forces comprise roughly 109,000 active personnel, but the total number swells when paramilitary and reserve units are included.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Created in partnership with the bionic footwear and apparel brand Dephy, the next-gen design is engineered to augment natural lower-leg and ankle movement, providing extra power for everyday exercise.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Queen Camilla augmented her monochrome attire with sheer black tights and a pair of Eliot Zed black suede pumps with a leather toe cap.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlarge. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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