aggrandize
verb
Did you know?
Aggrandize is a grand word, and we don’t just mean that in praise. The word literally traces back to the Latin adjective grandis, meaning "grand," and it has enhanced the English language for over three centuries. Nowadays, aggrandize is often paired with self (either the word or the prefix: to "aggrandize oneself" or to "be self-aggrandizing" is to glorify oneself, or to intently pursue power, wealth, and the like. It's of course great to take pride in a job well done, but we stan those who keep it real—after all, not every hit can be a grand slam.
Examples of aggrandize in a Sentence
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Its stunning collection spans five centuries of British art of state portraits, aggrandizing likenesses, provincial scenes and landscapes, with contemporary pieces strategically scattered throughout.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
In the Caribbean, San Juan’s rebirth following hurricanes and the pandemic is marked by an inaugural culinary festival, thanks to the very innovators who have aggrandized the tiny island’s bold flavors around the globe.
—Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Dec. 2024
All of the usual tricks he’s employed to aggrandize himself and avoid accountability throughout his career are laid bare here.
—Sarah Kurchak, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aggrandize
Cite this Entry
“Aggrandize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggrandize. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
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aggrandize
verb
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