expand

verb

ik-ˈspand How to pronounce expand (audio)
Definition of expandnext
1
as in to develop
to express more fully and in greater detail an article on the First Ladies that the author later expanded into a book

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to increase
to make greater in size, amount, or number we had to expand the list of wedding guests several times in order to accommodate all the relatives Mother wouldn't dream of excluding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to extend
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area a spare leaf for those times when we have to expand the dining table to accommodate extra guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to accelerate
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number water expands when it becomes frozen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of expand are amplify, dilate, distend, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When can amplify be used instead of expand?

The meanings of amplify and expand largely overlap; however, amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When might dilate be a better fit than expand?

Although the words dilate and expand have much in common, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When is distend a more appropriate choice than expand?

The words distend and expand can be used in similar contexts, but distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When is it sensible to use inflate instead of expand?

In some situations, the words inflate and expand are roughly equivalent. However, inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

In what contexts can swell take the place of expand?

While the synonyms swell and expand are close in meaning, swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of expand Other states haven’t taken steps to expand vaccine access or have announced piecemeal exceptions. —Jaimie Seaton, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2025 The airport is making improvements through its Destination CLT initiative, a project to renovate and expand the facility. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025 However, federal funding uncertainties pose challenges to sustaining and expanding these initiatives. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025 This year, the program is expanding globally through partnerships with more organizations around the world, the release said. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
  1. develop
  2. increase
  3. extend
  4. accelerate
  5. supplement
  6. augment
  7. open
  8. rise
Verb
  • Consider how closed captioning, originally developed for deaf and hard-of-hearing users, now benefits millions in noisy environments or when audio isn't available.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Drought concerns in the Midwest and Northeast Widespread moderate drought has developed recently in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, where precipitation during August was well below normal (rainfall deficits of 3 to 5 inches).
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of develop
Verb
  • Start with once daily, and if your skin can handle it, gradually increase to two or three times per week.
    — Lily Wohlner, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • When a La Niña phase occurs, less wind shear occurs in the regions of the Atlantic basin where tropical weather develops, increasing the potential for more storms, AccuWeather said.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • Most recent direct interpretation is Labubu creator Kasing Lung’s collaboration with LVMH’s luxury bag brand Moynat but bigger picture, luxury’s charm offensive extends from Glossier to Balenciaga—both of which transformed recent product launches into key-chain charm versions.
    — Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images The Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses have a sportier look than the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses thanks to a wraparound design that extends its colorful lenses around a person's temples.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of extend
Verb
  • The Department of War created a new task force in August to accelerate counter-drone development.
    — Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The nanophotonic device could accelerate advances in communications, precision measurement, and even environmental monitoring.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of accelerate
Verb
  • The charity’s agronomists predict that one kit, properly tended, can yield up to two hundred pounds of produce in a single season, enough to supplement the diets of a family of four.
    — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Unrivaled leaders have maintained the league is designed as an additive offseason solution for the best WNBA players who don’t want to go overseas to supplement their income.
    — Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of supplement
Verb
  • Leaders must pair intelligence with intention, ensuring AI augments humanity, not replaces it.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Little Market is meant to augment the larger restaurant.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of augment
Verb
  • Pittman is referring to the 6-4 left-hander Austin Simmons, who suffered a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Ole Miss’ 30-23 win last week at Kentucky to open league play.
    — Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Jean Silva Betting Odds And Line Movement When the betting odds opened for the Noche UFC main event, BetOnline had Silva as the -250 betting favorite over the +210 Lopes.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of open
Verb
  • The Colorado River and the two reservoirs have been suffering because of a multidecade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Stellarium Venus Begins To Fade September sees Venus rise closer to sunrise.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of rise

Browse Nearby Words

exotics
expand
expanded
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Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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