aggrandizing
Making seem greater
Aggrandizing means making something seem greater, more powerful, or more important than it really is.
The word usually implies exaggeration or inflation beyond what's warranted: an aggrandizing biography that glossed over his failures, self-aggrandizing politicians.
To aggrandize can also mean to genuinely increase power or status, though the sense of puffery dominates modern usage.
Overstating beyond reality
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
- amplificationIncrease in intensity
overstatement · puffery · enhancement · glorification · overvaluation · distortion · bloating · inflating
Publicizing one's own merits
- boastingExcessive self-praise
- braggingExcessive self-praise
- vanityExcessive pride in oneself
- narcissismExcessive admiration of oneself
self-importance · hubris · conceit · pomposity · vainglory · showboating · grandstanding · swagger
Pursuing higher position
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
- esteemFavorable opinion of worth
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
eminence · acclaim · recognition · renown · notability · influence · clout · prominence
Growing one's domain
- expansionismPolicy of territorial growth
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- conquestDefeating and seizing control
- hegemonyDominant group's control
imperialism · accumulation · consolidation · acquisition · ascendancy · dominion
exaggeration
Overstating beyond reality
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
amplification · overstatement · puffery · enhancement · glorification · overvaluation · distortion · bloating · inflating · swelling
self-promotion
Publicizing one's own merits
narcissism · self-importance · hubris · conceit · pomposity · vainglory · showboating · grandstanding · swagger · egocentrism
status-seeking
Pursuing higher position
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
- esteemFavorable opinion of worth
distinction · eminence · acclaim · recognition · renown · notability · influence · clout · prominence · standing
empire-building
Growing one's domain
- expansionismPolicy of territorial growth
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- conquestDefeating and seizing control
hegemony · imperialism · accumulation · consolidation · acquisition · ascendancy · dominion
- glorificationglorifying, glorification, exalting, exaltation, idolizing
aggrandizingdiminishing
Becoming progressively less
minimizing · reducing · deflating · shrinking · lessening
aggrandizingdegrading
Lowering in worth
demeaning · belittling · diminishing · debasing · humiliating
aggrandizinghumbling
Diminishing one's pride
self-deprecating · modest · deflating · self-effacing · unassuming