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elaborate

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verb

as in to unfold
to gradually become clearer or more detailed as mankind's understanding of the universe has elaborated

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 elaborate
Adjective
Across the pond, Cadbury World in the United Kingdom will unveil an elaborate chocolate sculpture to celebrate their grand reopening following a massive renovation. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025 Elmquist and Lone Bellow bandmate Kanene Pipkin built an elaborate gospel choir by singing into the same microphone two voices at a time, layering 18-20 total voices in three different frequencies. Tom Roland, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
His attorney declined to elaborate on next steps. Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 8 Oct. 2025 These genius display ideas, from simple to elaborate, will make your Halloween yard the envy of the neighborhood. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
  • By carefully analyzing the subtle interactions of these signals, the technology can generate a highly detailed and accurate representation of a person’s presence, posture, and movement that is comparable to a camera snapshot, but constructed entirely from radio waves.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Whereas criminal suspects in this past may have been incriminated by a Google query on, say, how to clean up bloodstains, a more comprehensive, detailed back-and-forth with a tool like ChatGPT gives investigators far more opportunities to prove intent and mindset, Lee explains.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The company’s inspectors carry out regular and thorough checks on the workshops selected and employed by Tod’s.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Its thorough filtration process captures pollen, dust, and other small particles, while also absorbing odors and fumes.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Lego Wicked Emerald City Wall Art This intricate 1,518-piece Emerald City Lego set is bound to keep adults and kids busy ahead of the new movie.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Lou's movies are known for their intricate storylines and complex figures, but An Unfinished Film is surprisingly simple, containing little plot or character development.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This transformation, McVey cautioned, takes time to unfold.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • While the full impact of Medicaid cuts could take years to unfold, doctors say the system is already buckling.
    Selina Wang, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, parlay bets are getting more complicated as time goes on, decreasing the chances of winning.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Peter Hedges’s drama about a young recovering addict (Lucas Hedges) coming back unannounced to his family starts off promisingly, with Roberts’s supportive but wary character trying to manage her complicated feelings about her son’s return.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As of Tuesday evening, the fire crew has achieved full containment of the blaze.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Use it in Laptop Mode for productivity with a full keyboard and trackpad, switch to Studio Mode for drawing and design with the Surface Pen (not included), or detach the screen to enter Tablet Mode for browsing, streaming, and entertainment.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.
    MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The founders envision the store evolving organically as a blank canvas shaped by the neighborhood and scene.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
  • What began as fascination evolved into inspiration.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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