Synonyms of expand

expand

verb

ik-ˈspand 

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

• develop
• supplement
• enlarge (on or upon)
• amplify
• flesh (out)
• elaborate (on)
• complement
• dilate (on or upon)
• add (to)
• run on
• expatiate
• discourse
• ramble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shorten
• condense
• contract
• compress
• summarize
• abridge
• outline
• abbreviate
• sum up

2

as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number

we had to expand the list of wedding guests several times in order to accommodate all the relatives Mother wouldn't dream of excluding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increase
• accelerate
• augment
• boost
• extend
• raise
• multiply
• enhance
• enlarge
• intensify
• strengthen
• reinforce
• amplify
• maximize
• add (to)
• escalate
• swell
• aggrandize
• stoke
• build up
• up
• pump up
• compound
• supersize
• develop
• lengthen
• supplement
• jump
• skyrocket
• heighten
• prolong
• inflate
• complement
• distend
• hype
• dilate
• stretch
• elongate
• draw out
• flesh (out)
• boom
• bump (up)
• spike
• reenforce
• protract
• accumulate
• magnify
• blow up
• ratchet (up)
• amass
• collect
• parlay
• beef (up)
• follow up
• rachet (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• dwindle
• downsize
• lower
• shorten
• subtract (from)
• curtail
• abate
• abridge
• abbreviate
• constrict
• compress
• condense
• contract
• minify
• de-escalate
• cut back
• retrench

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

• extend
• open
• unfold
• spread (out)
• stretch (out)
• unfurl
• flare (out)
• outspread
• outstretch
• fan (out)
• overspread

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• close
• reduce
• contract
• fold
• compact
• compress
• condense

4

as in to accelerate

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number

water expands when it becomes frozen

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increase
• accelerate
• rise
• swell
• intensify
• multiply
• climb
• enlarge
• accumulate
• proliferate
• spread
• wax
• roll up
• escalate
• gain
• mount
• balloon
• appreciate
• jump
• mushroom
• boom
• build up
• snowball
• heighten
• surge
• burgeon
• bourgeon
• skyrocket
• distend
• redouble
• inflate
• rocket
• bulk
• peak
• puff (up)
• blow up
• crest
• crescendo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• recede
• contract
• dwindle
• wane

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

Recent Examples of expand

The move echoed China's own shift away from its one-child policy, which expanded to two children in 2016 and three in 2021. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

In 1976, lawmakers greatly expanded it, with huge repercussions on Kentucky's prison populations. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2025

That’s important because in recent years, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has expanded the number of international voters, giving them greater influence on what captures top prizes at the Oscars. —Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

The city plans to expand the program in 2026 to encompass rewarding more eco-friendly choices. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025