aggrandize

[uh-gran-dahyz, ag-ruhn-dahyz] / əˈgræn daɪz, ˈæg rənˌdaɪz /

VERB

cause something to seem or be greater, bigger

Synonyms

STRONG

acclaim applaud augment boost commend dignify distinguish enlarge ennoble expand extend glorify heighten hike honor hype increase intensify jump magnify multiply parlay praise

WEAK

beef up hike up jack up

Antonyms

STRONG

abridge censure condemn condense contract criticize curtail decrease degrade denounce diminish disapprove disgrace dishonor humiliate keep lessen lower reduce reproach shame shorten shrink weaken

WEAK

belittle debase depress humble

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“There was never looking for credit, never looking to aggrandize himself,” Rendell told AP.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 21, 2022

Mr. King admitted that the story was a fabrication aimed to aggrandize the sorrowful childhood of Larry Zeiger.

From Washington Post • Jan. 23, 2021

It feels odd to talk about, because I don’t want to aggrandize myself.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2019

I do not aggrandize what I have or what I am.

From New York Times • Mar. 16, 2018

She did not try to aggrandize herself at their expense, nor did she take up weapons against them.

From Serbia: A Sketch by Reed, Helen Leah