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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
Orangutans sometimes spend weeks finding the necessary materials (wires, bolts, screws), hiding their elaborate preparations from their keepers, and awaiting the perfect moment to execute their plans. Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 Experiential gifts can range from inexpensive local activities to more elaborate travel, fitting any budget. Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
Danielson wouldn’t elaborate further on Ford’s injury. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2025 When the series was ordered, Thompson, who normally focuses on films, stepped aside and Carter took over, re-creating his predecessor’s design on a soundstage but elaborating on it with additional rooms that felt refined yet emotionally detached. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
  • The collection includes 3,100 black-and-white images taken in nearly 300 villages, towns, and cities around the country as well as the negatives and detailed data sheets describing construction techniques, materials, and historical context for each building.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Leafs coach Craig Berube did not provide a detailed update on Nylander’s possible injury.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Before any surgery, patients undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure readiness, both physically and emotionally.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police are conducting a thorough investigation with the assistance of multiple law enforcement partners.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • As some of nature’s most impressive architects, spiders construct intricate webs—some of which even glow under UV light—using various silk types.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Detailed Furniture While most grandmother's homes are filled with old furniture, there's value in the pieces that have intricate detailing and the ability to have a second life with a new owner.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The vehicle reportedly sped into a shopping plaza, where the incident — captured on video — unfolded.
    Bonny Chu , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The Morant situation unfolded after the team's 117-112 loss to the Lakers, during which some perceived that the Grizzlies star displayed a lack of effort.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The flare suggests there are unknown populations of giant stars near the centers of large galaxies, which also host supermassive black holes — and sheds light on the complicated interactions between two behemoths.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • What unites them is Dern’s ability to find the humanity in characters navigating life’s most complicated terrain.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • All the company had emitted since Gates founded it in 1975 would be gone, the full footprint washed away.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But even when Carr smashes a model boat to smithereens after a professional rejection or Allura imagines herself going full Lemonade on Chase’s sidepiece, their actions feel divorced from any larger context.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 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 tight end position has evolved significantly, but there’s still a little old-fashioned magic to it.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The court's ruling could influence how future AI laws evolve and how victims seek justice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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