1. to make greater in power, influence, honor, or wealth; to enhance the reputation, power, or wealth of
Usage: formal
2. to make appear greater than is actually the case; to exaggerate the importance of
Usage: often disapproving

Examples

• The dictator aggrandizes his own power at the expense of democratic institutions.
• She constantly aggrandizes her role in the company’s success.
• The biography aggrandizes the politician’s minor achievements.
• He aggrandizes every story he tells to make himself look better.
• The new policy aggrandizes the authority of local officials.
• Critics argue that the museum aggrandizes colonial history while ignoring its darker aspects.