AGGRANDIZEMENT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

aggrandizement

noun

Definition of aggrandizement

as in advancement

disapproving advancement or increase in power or importance He acted only for his political advantage and personal aggrandizement. self-aggrandizement

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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 aggrandizement The prototypical obituary subject lived to be 81, which meant 44 years had elapsed between the accomplishment and, in the cases of the many obscure and quirky characters, their public aggrandizement. — Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026 There needs to be a better system of Parks & Beaches member selection, rather than the current process that reinforces the aggrandizement of the existing members … especially if La Jolla is to be its own city. — Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026 The show, which originally confined itself to the claustrophobic ecosystem of the trading floor, has expanded to include the grubby workings of British media and politics, and to show the intersection of the country’s landed aristocracy with other, newer forms of class aggrandizement. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 His actual goal is aggrandizement. — Shikha Dalmia, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2025 And there were many others in the floundering nation-states of Asia and Africa who succumbed to the American ideology of individual aggrandizement and self-cherishing. — Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggrandizement

Noun

One specific area that is actively being explored is the potential of using bacteriophages, which are originally viral in nature, in conjunction with advancements in AI to help detect, track and destroy resistant bacteria forms.

— Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The advanced weapon features AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform–a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of advancement

Noun

The evolution of the dough at Flour + Water OG was inspired by their research and development at Flour + Water Pizzeria and the findings of what a preferment does to the complexity of that dough.

— Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
The Communist government’s leadership compound in Beijing, Zhongnanhai, more and more resembles an imperial palace where royal favorites jockey for preferment and titles.

— Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2022

Definition of preferment

Noun

Speaking of God, the pedal steel is capable of exaltation, too, the rise and fall of its strings able to emulate a glorious choir or a keening request or spread out like the cosmos itself.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
In traditional astrology, Venus is considered to be in its fall in Virgo — as this sign directly opposes Pisces, Venus’ exaltation — which means its natural qualities are challenged and difficult to express.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Definition of exaltation

Noun

Grande became the face of an ongoing conversation around health, and the cultural pendulum swing away from body positivity to the glorification of thinness, ignited by the proliferation of weight-loss drugs.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Declinism, on the other hand, is an unrealistic glorification of the past coupled with the belief that things are steadily going downhill.

— Markham Heid, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of glorification

Noun

Interestingly, Fernandez-Pardo was revered by Howe and would have been Newcastle’s principal target in May, though his initial preference was for Champions League football.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Bonnell appears to be treating software as another part of the motorcycle's suspension system and something that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s preferences, skill, and terrain.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of preference

Noun

This shift means emotional intelligence (EI) is no longer just for promotions but is becoming an essential entry requirement, as AI handles technical tasks.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
DyAnnah Butler’s promotion from diverse learning coordinator at the high school’s Washington campus to assistant principal at the district’s Alternative Optional Education Center (AOEC) was also unanimously approved by the board.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of promotion

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“Aggrandizement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggrandizement. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of aggrandizement

noun

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