enlarge

[ en-lahrj ]

verb (used with object)

, en·larged, en·larg·ing.

1. to make larger; increase in extent, bulk, or quantity; add to:

   They enlarged the house by adding an east wing.

   Synonyms: dilate, amplify, magnify, extend

   Antonyms: diminish

2. to increase the capacity or scope of; expand:

   We've decided to enlarge the company.

   Antonyms: contract

3. to make (a photographic print) larger than the negative by projecting the negative's image through a lens onto photographic printing paper.

verb (used without object)

, en·larged, en·larg·ing.

1. to grow larger; increase; expand.
2. to speak or write at large; expatiate:

   to enlarge upon a point.

enlarge

/ ɪnˈlɑːdʒ /

verb

1. to make or grow larger in size, scope, etc; increase or expand
2. tr to make (a photographic print) of a larger size than the negative
3. intr; foll by on or upon to speak or write (about) in greater detail; expatiate (on)

Derived Forms

• enˈlargeable, adjective

Other Words From

• en·largea·ble adjective
• en·larg·ed·ly [en-, lahr, -jid-lee, -, lahrjd, -], adverb
• en·larged·ness noun
• en·larging·ly adverb
• preen·large verb (used with object) preenlarged preenlarging
• reen·large verb reenlarged reenlarging
• unen·larged adjective
• unen·larging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enlarge¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English enlargen, from Old French enlargir, enlarger. See en- ¹, large

Example Sentences

“We’re entering a time when the pie is not going to enlarge as rapidly … a time when there is going to be heightened group conflict.”

From Salon

As part of Roberts’ plan to rebel against the uni-party, he called on the incoming administration to fully embrace and enlarge the military-industrial complex.

From Salon

Insight into art we thought we knew is enlarged.

From Los Angeles Times

As a performance piece for Timur, it further enlarges the transformational promise that Julia Bullock and Davóne Tines demonstrated in their recent staged recitals.

From Los Angeles Times

"Assistants work for their deputies, enlarging their ideas," Le Pen said.

From BBC

Related Words

• add to
• augment
• boost
• broaden
• build
• develop
• expand
• extend
• grow
• inflate
• lengthen
• magnify
• multiply
• swell
• widen

When To Use

What are other ways to say enlarge?

To enlarge something is to make it larger or to add to it. How does enlarge differ from increase and augment? Find out on Thesaurus.com.