elaborate (on)

Definition of elaborate (on)next
1
as in to exaggerate
to add to the interest of by including made-up details my friend tends to elaborate on his hiking experiences, turning an ordinary walk in the woods into a hair-raising adventure

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2
as in to develop
to express more fully and in greater detail the candidate for governor refused to elaborate on how she would balance the state's budget

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate (on)
Verb
  • Slightly shimmering effects reflect light in a subtle way, bringing luminosity without being exaggerated; it can be glazed donut–style chrome, or for a more intense effect try a cat-eye finish.
    Andrea Carbajal, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Bosco’s attorneys argue Shaw was exaggerating the situation.
    Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In January, a DNA profile was successfully developed and uploaded to a direct-to-consumer ancestry database while a genealogist assigned to the Riverside Cold Case Homicide Team was able to positively identify a potential match to a close relative in Alabama.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Waldron developed a knuckleball, no small feat.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Kelly Pannek had two goals and two assists to pad her PWHL-leading points total and help the Minnesota Frost hold off the Vancouver Goldeneyes 6-5 on Saturday, snapping a three-match losing streak and clinching a spot in the postseason for the two-time defending champions.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The roomy main compartment, zippered hanging pocket, and padded laptop sleeve mean everything has a place, so there’s no more digging around for your passport at the gate.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Its owners have expanded their impact and influence to the nearby community to limit development and maintain its cultural identity, which includes restoring and caring for the historic stone buildings from the salt trade era.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • This will expand affordable rental options and enable home repairs, solar installations and energy upgrades.
    Chase Jordan April 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gulf investors’ seemingly imminent backing will supplement costs faced by Paramount Skydance chair and CEO David Ellison and his billionaire father, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The staffing shortages in both departments led to these technologies being used to supplement their work, Lopez said.
    Stella Canino-Quinones, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate%20%28on%29. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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