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
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

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 Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Monday that the computer chipmaker TSMC had expanded its investment in the United States because of the possibility of separate 25% tariffs. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 4 Mar. 2025 Universal has expanded the number of magic locations for the wands to five new areas within Wizarding World. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025 These actions are leaving the U.S. vulnerable despite years of evidence that Russia is committed to continuing and expanding its cyber efforts, according to Liana Keesing, campaigns manager for technology reform at Issue One, a nonprofit that has studied technology’s impact on democracy. David Klepper, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025 She’s since expanded into other jewelry and accessories categories and launched lifestyle items like laptop cases, luggage tags and keychains. Layla Ilchi, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • In some cases, a person may have been susceptible to developing lung fibrosis due to an underlying condition and the COVID-19 infection may accelerate the fibrotic progression.
    Amy McGorry, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The New York Times reported in February that American intelligence agencies have concluded that Iran is exploring a faster, if cruder, approach to developing an atomic weapon if its leadership decides to race for a bomb.
    David E. Sanger, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • China is facilitating this by strengthening cooperation with Russia on research and commercial activities, as well as by increasing China's national icebreaker capacity.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Israel has also increased public funding for projects by Israeli filmmakers from West Bank settlements — the very enterprise that the film No Other Land criticizes as taking over Palestinian homes and land.
    Nuha Musleh, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Congress faces a deadline Friday to extend funding for the federal government through the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30 or risk a partial shutdown.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The victory extended Ankalaev’s unbeaten streak to 14 straight fights.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If an earlier breakthrough occurs: Should a major quantum attack capability emerge earlier than expected, the bitcoin community can accelerate the above timeline.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • On the surface, this shift has the potential to accelerate China’s ascent as a global power, potentially granting the world’s second-largest economy space to win more allies, boost its global leadership and shift global norms and rules – such as those on human rights or security – in its favor.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Granular applications of fertilizer can be supplemented periodically with water-soluble organics.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Information from The Associated Press was used to supplement this news article.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Possibilities include accelerating drug discovery, augmenting preclinical or clinical research, predicting potential product quality issues and optimizing testing protocols.
    Aman Wasan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Conrad called steel guitarist Justin Schipper in to augment the band the next day at The Smoakstack, a studio loaded with guitars — and ceramic figures — in Nashville’s Berry Hill neighborhood.
    Tom Roland, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Blue Devils raced out to a 15-2 lead in opening six minutes and then burst out of the break with a 24-6 run after the ‘Canes closed the first half with a 7-1 spurt in the final minute to cut the deficit to 47-32.
    Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In 2024, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced a record-breaking number of small businesses, with 1 in 3 of the now 183,000 small businesses having opened their doors in the last two years.
    Ivo Ivanov, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • With inflation high and interest rates rising, the outlook is bleak for many Americans.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The personal savings rate also spiked higher, rising to 4.6%.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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