Definition of expandnext
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 Netflix continues to expand its presence in the preschool space. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 Broader defense applications The latest contract expands a growing portfolio of defense manufacturing projects for the company. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026 Amazon is launching dedicated Creator Hub to Fire TV this summer, creating a new section for videos and podcasts from digital creators to expand beyond social media and into connected TV. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 22 June 2026 Last month, the US Space Force awarded a $94 million contract to Observable Space to expand its production of high-performance optical telescopes. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • From artisan bakeries and farmers markets to homemade loaves bubbling on kitchen counters, sourdough has developed a devoted following among food lovers.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • While most people who get infected with WNV have no symptoms, one in 150 may develop more serious illnesses like brain inflammation, paralysis or death.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The rent on our apartment has increased by about 70% over the past six years.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn (4-3) struck out two in a scoreless seventh to earn the win and increase his hitless streak to 10 innings, with 19 strikeouts, over his last nine appearances.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The global index provider extended Indonesia’s status as an emerging market after freezing the country’s stocks in its indexes in January, citing investability concerns.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 24 June 2026
  • Tuesday’s ruling declares the case a class action and extends the order nationwide.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Why the at-home mani pedi trend is growing Three forces are driving the shift, including DIY beauty habits that stuck after the pandemic, the rising price of salon services and a steady stream of social tutorials that make at-home nails feel achievable.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • Estate sales are also a source, though Miranda-Martin feels the rising popularity of these sales in Los Angeles has led to an increase in pricing.
    Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The solution for this is to construct a new gaseous nitrogen system to supplement the existing capacity, but the $25 million project is currently unfunded.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026
  • The effort to supplement what the school receives directly from Chicago Public Schools has paid off.
    Mila Koumpilova, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Co-founder and tour guide Hannah Michelle Brower says the tour will be a historical journey exploring passenger pigeons and the Lenape people, as well as looking at how the arrival of European colonizers accelerated commercial exploitation and ultimately contributed to the extinction of the bird.
    Terra Sullivan, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Over time, this can increase electrical resistance, generate excess heat, and accelerate battery degradation.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • But a goal from Kaan Ayhan, scored with the last kick of the game, handed the US its first defeat after two dominant victories to open the tournament.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Boaters must open hatches, inspect anchors and use high-temperature water to destroy any aquatic invasive species, officials said.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Sense of place The river — which swells with spring snowmelt — and surrounding wilderness give the property a strong sense of place.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • Symptoms can be mild to severe and range from nausea, itching, abdominal pain, swelling of the lips to life-threatening symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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