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 The small seconds register above 6 o’clock, meanwhile, has been enlarged to house the watch’s moon phase complication—a first within the Laurent Ferrier oeuvre. —

Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024 Experts say North Korea uses its rivals’ drills as a pretext to enlarge its nuclear arsenal to wrest concessions when diplomacy resumes. —

Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Indeed, the presidential election campaign shows that either party is more likely to enlarge rather than control future dollar flows into entitlements programs. —

Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Review the doppelgängers’ murder wall for yourselves — click the images above to enlarge — then hit the comments with your best guesses. —

Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enlarge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlarge

Verb

Weight-bearing exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, and dancing, are great for increasing bone density.

Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Her two top priorities for the district are fiscal transparency and increasing test scores.

Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024