to increase the apparent size of, as a lens does.

to make greater in actual size; enlarge

to magnify a drawing in preparing for a fresco.

to cause to seem greater or more important; attribute too much importance to; exaggerate

to magnify one's difficulties.

to make more exciting; intensify; dramatize; heighten

The playwright magnified the conflict to get her point across.

Archaic . to extol; praise

to magnify the Lord.

to increase or be able to increase the apparent or actual size of an object.

verb

decrease , diminish , lessen , miniaturize , weaken , play down

verb

aggrandize , aggravate , amplify , augment , bless , blow up , boost , build up , deepen , dignify , dilate , distend , enhance , ennoble , eulogize , exalt , expand , extend , glorify , heighten , hike , hike up , increase , inflate , intensate , jack up , jump up , mount , multiply , pad , pyramid , redouble , rise , rouse , run up , step up , sweeten , swell , blow up * , color , dramatize , embellish , embroider , fudge * , make mountain of molehill , overcharge , overdo , overdraw , overemphasize , overestimate , overplay , overrate , overstate , overstress , pad * , puff up , build , burgeon , enlarge , escalate , grow , proliferate , snowball , soar , upsurge , wax , hyperbolize , acclaim , celebrate , extol , hail , laud , panegyrize , praise , apotheosize , elevate , uplift , exaggerate , intensify