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 One approach, adopted by Lynda Benglis, Urs Fischer, and Christopher Wool, involves digitally capturing a chance form—a squeeze of clay, a snarl of wire—then enlarging that scan to monumental proportions, both dramatizing and satirizing the superpowers that artists now have at their disposal. —

Glenn Adamson, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024 Instead, each attack on his character enlarged his visibility and his audience. —

Gunther Peck / Made By History, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024 Since then, the enterprise has enlarged its product range to 32 items and expanded to other US areas with a prominent Polish-American population. —

Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 The Biden Administration also restored or enlarged the boundaries of other monuments, including Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments in Utah and the San Gabriel Mountains and Berryessa Snow Mountain monuments in California. —

Miyo McGinn, Outside Online, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enlarge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge

Verb

Triller’s entry onto NASDAQ and its substantial backers has earned it increasing attention.

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
The randomized hybrid arrangement was so successful — reducing turnover and increasing satisfaction among both employees and managers — that the skeptical company decided to expand the program to all employees.

Sarah Green Carmichael, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024