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 Colleges are exploring ways to reduce cost, such as expanding free online course materials. Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025 The data was originally only provided to the health company's clients, but in 2023, the company expanded its reporting to be publically available. Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025 Overall, this has been an exciting year for SKIMS as the brand acquired SKKN by Kim from Kim Kardashian and COTY, bringing her beauty NIL rights and ventures under the SKIMS brand in March, expanding its portfolio beyond apparel. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Cameron Elwell arrived two years later to lead partnership strategy and help expand The Onyx Agency’s reach across industries. Sara Smith, Variety, 15 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
  • Thus, even if a farmer primarily relied on corn for sustenance and/or trade, planting beans and squash alongside the maize increased the nutritive value of the same area.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The alliance should also increase its training with an eye toward degrading or destroying the Kaliningrad facilities should direct hostilities break out.
    James Stavridis, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The urgency to extend Kempe is magnified by the reality of losing the great Anze Kopitar after this season.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The most popular route covers 13 miles one-way to the Paria River, though ambitious hikers can extend the journey to 21 miles by continuing downstream through Paria Canyon.
    Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 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

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Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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