1
as in increase
something added (as by growth)
the museum's new wing is only the first in a series of expansions planned for the next decade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in evolution
the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced
the expansion of remedial reading classes into a district-wide program using school volunteers for a variety of needs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in expanse
a wide space or area
we gazed in awe at the star-strewn expansion of nighttime sky above us
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 expansion
Such levels of import duties are expected to dent China’s exports and knock several percentage points off the economy’s expansion this year.
—
Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
The largest expansion was at High Point Elementary, where an addition of nearly 15,700 square feet added a gymnasium, three classrooms and two bathrooms on the east side of the existing 37,000-square-foot school.
—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Even if Moscow and Washington cannot settle on a replacement treaty before New START goes out of force next February, rapid nuclear expansion is not inevitable.
—Rose Gottemoeller, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025
Lawmakers passed a law to cut Medicaid expansion funds in the most recent session.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expansion
Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
The largest expansion was at High Point Elementary, where an addition of nearly 15,700 square feet added a gymnasium, three classrooms and two bathrooms on the east side of the existing 37,000-square-foot school.
—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Even if Moscow and Washington cannot settle on a replacement treaty before New START goes out of force next February, rapid nuclear expansion is not inevitable.
—Rose Gottemoeller, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025
Lawmakers passed a law to cut Medicaid expansion funds in the most recent session.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expansion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expansion
Noun
-
Amid a challenging fiscal climate, Baltimore County employees could see a salary increase during fiscal year 2026, according to a $4.6 billion budget proposal outlined by Klausmeier this month.—
Shaela Foster,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The Courant recently reported that while most Connecticut communities are proposing modest tax increases of 1 to 4% and a few planning no changes at all, several were warning of heftier hikes, one nearly 20%.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Among Zhang’s expansive portfolio, three standout projects capture his artistic evolution and deeper purpose: Dancing with a Jellyfish, Aesthetics from Africa, and Mirror: Truth or Lie.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Charlotte Flair, a top star in WWE's women's division, appears to be on the cusp of a significant character evolution following her recent high-stakes match at WrestleMania 41.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That’s much lower than in a lab-grade vacuum, yet across vast expanses of space, even very low particle densities can add up, so Barnard 68’s tenuous material is still enough to absorb essentially all the light that would otherwise just pass through.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Spanning northwest New Jersey, the district is a mix of rural expanses with rolling hills and river towns, with dense urban pockets en route to New York.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The fabric is known to be smoothing and super flattering, so expect this pair to deliver an extra boost of confidence.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2025
-
That will be enough to qualify for these profit boosts.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Charlotte Observer Desiree Mathurin covers growth and development for The Charlotte Observer.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Vasquez is the city’s director of planning and development.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
From Lowcountry retreats in South Carolina to North Carolina’s serene Atlantic stretches to Florida’s world-famous blue-green waters, the options are endless.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Williams, in particular, has had great stretches, lining up mostly in the slot.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to the performers, the ceremony will honor Warren Zevon with the Musical Influence Award, and key behind-the-scenes figures like Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye with the Musical Excellence Award.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
28 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to Clemente, Florida got solid relief outings from Philpott after his initial scuffle, and right-hander Luke McNeillie.—
Matt Jones,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There is no update on the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
How the condition originates, progresses, and responds to treatment can also vary a good deal among people.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Expansion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expansion. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share