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

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 Out came a glossy photograph of Bissonnette enlarged to the size of a small poster. —

Peter Larsen, Orange County Register, 23 Jan. 2025 Barack Obama established or enlarged 34 monuments; Bill Clinton did 22. —

Miyo McGinn, Outside Online, 22 Jan. 2025 Owners concerned whether or not their dog is experiencing a phantom pregnancy can look for the following symptoms: mammary development, lactation, enlarged belly, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, nesting, being protective of small inanimate objects and restlessness or aggression. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 When vitamin B12 is deficient, RBCs are enlarged, described as macrocytic anemia. —

Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enlarge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge

Verb

The value of most investments have increased significantly in the past year.

— Kerry Meagher, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
The complaint data becomes increasingly valuable as insurance premium rates in New York on average have increased by double-digit percentages in recent years, raising the stakes.

— David Robinson, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025