enlarge

verb

en·​large in-ˈlärj How to pronounce enlarge (audio)
en-
enlarged; enlarging
Synonyms of enlargenext

transitive verb

1
: to make larger : extend
enlarged the family fortune with new investments
2
: to give greater scope to : expand
education may enlarge one's view of the world
3
: to set free
enlarge a captive

intransitive verb

1
: to grow larger
2
: to speak or write at length : elaborate
let me enlarge upon that point
enlargeable
in-ˈlär-jə-bəl How to pronounce enlarge (audio)
en-
adjective
enlarger noun

Synonyms of enlarge

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increase, enlarge, augment, multiply mean to make or become greater.

increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity

his waistline increased with age

; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition.

increased her landholdings

enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Examples of enlarge in a Sentence

We had the photograph enlarged. as the number of people with cell phones enlarges, more transmission towers will have to be built
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Globe lamps use enlarged, globe-shape bulbs to light up a space. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 To create space for so much additional DNA, the nucleus enlarges. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026 Measles can cause a baby’s spleen to enlarge and the fibrous tissue around the organ to thin. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 Melting glaciers can feed and enlarge glacial lakes, increasing the potential for sudden floods. — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlarge

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enlarger, enlargir, from en- + large broad, large

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlarge was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing enlarge

Rhymes for enlarge

See All Rhymes for enlarge

Browse Nearby Words

enlard
enlarge
enlargeable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enlarge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlarge. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

enlarge

verb
en·​large in-ˈlärj How to pronounce enlarge (audio)
enlarged; enlarging
1
: to make or grow larger : increase, expand
2
: to give more details : elaborate
enlarge on a story
enlarger noun

Medical Definition

enlarge

verb
en·​large in-ˈlärj How to pronounce enlarge (audio)
enlarged; enlarging

transitive verb

: to make larger

intransitive verb

: to grow larger
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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