Synonyms for Aggrandize

Updated · Synonyms List editorial team

Synonyms for Aggrandize

Quick answer: To aggrandize means to increase in power or status, often through ambitious or manipulative actions. When seeking another word for aggrandize, consider options that capture the nuance of expanding influence, prestige, or authority within a specific context. This list offers varied choices for formal, informal, and intense scenarios.

Closest Synonyms for Aggrandize

Enhance
To make something greater or better. The leader hoped to enhance her reputation through hard work.
Augment
To add to something to make it larger. She sought to augment her family name with wealth.
Boost
To increase the amount or quality of something. The campaign aimed to boost his standing in the community.
Expand
To make something larger in scope or size. They worked to expand the empire across the seas.
Elevate
To raise someone to a higher position. The CEO wanted to elevate the company to global prominence.
Magnify
To make something appear larger than it is. He tried to magnify his achievements to impress investors.
Amplify
To make a sound or effect stronger. The speech was designed to amplify her voice to the masses.
Accentuate
To make a feature more noticeable. The suit accentuated his status as a successful executive.
Accent
To emphasize or give more importance to. She accentuated her points to ensure they were heard.
Build up
To construct or increase gradually. The team worked to build up their reputation over years.
Fortify
To strengthen or support something. The nation sought to fortify its position against rivals.

Formal Synonyms for Aggrandize

Exalt
To praise or raise to a high position. The crowd exalted the hero above all others.
Enrich
To make more valuable or beneficial. Policies aimed to enrich the lives of citizens.
Promote
To advance someone in rank or position. He was promoted to a more senior role quickly.
Advance
To move forward or make progress. The organization sought to advance its goals effectively.
Impel
To drive or urge forward with force. The desire to succeed impel him to take risks.
Propel
To drive forward with force or energy. The wind propelled the ship across the ocean.
Subvert
To undermine or overthrow, often to gain power. Rebels hoped to subvert the current government.
Usurp
To take someone else's position by force. The king was usurped by his ambitious brother.

Informal Synonyms for Aggrandize

Puff up
To make something seem bigger than it is. He tried to puff up his story to sound more exciting.
Blow up
To exaggerate or make something seem huge. The rumor started to blow up across the town.
Ramp up
To increase the intensity or amount. We need to ramp up production before the deadline.
Step up
To increase effort or intensity. It is time to step up and take action.
Turn up
To increase the volume or level. Can you turn up the music a little?
Kick up
To create a disturbance or increase activity. The party kicked up quite a lot of dust.
Jog up
To stir up or increase interest. The ad jogged up memories of childhood.
Stir up
To provoke or increase emotion. The speech stirred up anger in the audience.
Crank up
To increase the speed or power. We need to crank up the engine for the race.

Antonyms for Aggrandize

  1. diminish
  2. reduce
  3. lessen
  4. decrease
  5. curtail
  6. restrain
  7. humiliate
  8. belittle
  9. devalue
  10. downplay

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choose a synonym based on the tone and context of your sentence. For formal writing, use words like exalt or elevate. In casual conversation, boost or puff up works better. Consider whether you mean to increase something positively or negatively, as words like usurp imply taking power unfairly while augment suggests adding value. Always check if the nuance matches your intended meaning before selecting the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of aggrandize?

Aggrandize means to increase someone's power, status, or wealth, often through ambitious or manipulative actions. It can be used when describing how leaders expand their influence or how individuals try to enhance their reputation.

Is aggrandize a formal or informal word?

Aggrandize is generally considered a formal word. It is often used in academic, political, or professional contexts rather than casual conversation. However, some informal synonyms exist for everyday use.

Can aggrandize have a negative meaning?

Yes, aggrandize often has a negative connotation when it involves self-promotion or increasing power unfairly. It suggests that the increase in status or wealth may be achieved through manipulation or deceit rather than merit.

Sources and Further Reading

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