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

Relevance

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 Your support group should be robust and honest — and forever expanding. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025 Domino’s expanded its delivery options last quarter by partnering with DoorDash, following a similar deal in 2023 with Uber Eats. Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 After investing more than $400 million to expand the facility to handle the largest cargo vessels, the company is also building a manufacturing and trade zone nearby in Berbera. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025 The partnership is now expanding to include all 32 NHL teams, featuring more than 20 new apparel styles, as well as accessories such as bags, bottles, and hats. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • Any thunderstorms that develop could lead to higher wind gusts as well.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • In Mindhunter, the agent interviews Brudos — played by Anderson in season 1 of the series and in season 3 of Monster — to help develop profiling techniques for catching serial killers.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That, alongside Newcastle’s desire to spread the fee over multiple years (whereas Como were going to pay in one lump sum), led to Milan increasing their asking price.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Milwaukee is not alone in seeking to implement or increase a wheel tax to raise local revenue.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Today's top stories The government shutdown is now on day eight, and no end is in sight as Democrats continue to advocate for extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Throughout the week, the designers that left a lasting impression created moments that sparked meaningful conversation and demonstrated how fashion’s influence could extend beyond the runway and shape what regular people wear on the streets.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With the right guardrails, integrating AI and other emerging technologies can help boards decode complex issues faster, accelerate upskilling, and enhance decision-making.
    Lara Abrash, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Such access, Su explained, accelerates the development of AI tools in areas like healthcare and emotional support.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But the group initially struggled to supplement the lead.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • It's recommended to take your daily vitamin or supplement separately from your cup of coffee, ideally at least a few hours.
    Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 21st century’s computer generated gore Around the turn of the millennium, filmmakers turned to CGI to augment their fake blood, adjusting the colors or make their splatter physics a little more convincing.
    Mark Hay, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Longoria continued her ivory color scheme with a clutch, and augmented her look with warm tones thanks to her small gold hoop earrings and strappy gold sandal heels.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Buds will fail to open properly, and some of the canes will have multitudes of thorns.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Photos of veterans and their biographies will be displayed at the center of the park and a color guard will open the event.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The actress, who rose to fame for her iconic roles in beloved films such as Annie Hall, The First Wives Club, The Godfather, and many more, died in California, PEOPLE reported on Saturday.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on expand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!