elaborate 1 of 2

Definition of elaboratenext
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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
What Jaafar does amounts to an elaborate impression instead of an interpretation, re-creating the voice and the famous choreography and otherwise staring blankly into the middle distance when called upon to transmit emotions. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026 Like the rest of the cast, Libby can switch from wacky physical comedy to silky-smooth voiceovers and elaborate character work in the space of a few seconds. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Officials close to the presidency told Semafor that Edun’s departure had no relation to his performance and had been brewing due to a personal issue, but did not elaborate. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026 The White House declined to elaborate on the meeting. Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
  • Scammers can repeat this process hundreds of times a day, building detailed profiles with very little effort.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The board approved the plan, but also is seeking a more detailed delineation of the affordable housing elements.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Patients should see a medical provider for a thorough exam and bloodwork before starting the drugs, the doctor emphasized.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Still, the property is thorough in its offerings.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As many clubs in the lower leagues look to ape the intricate build-up popularised by elite managers such as Pep Guardiola, have Bromley just demonstrated that long-ball football still works?
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Though often dismissed as bubblegum soul, the early Jackson 5 hits were intricate and infectious.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Advertisement How the shooting unfolded The WHCA dinner is an annual event for White House staff and the press, typically featuring comedy and a satirical speech from the president.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 Apr. 2026
  • After shooting, there was initial confusion as to what had happened before journalists were able to reach their news outlets to report the details of what unfolded.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But there are other factors that make calculating the distance of future Artemis missions a little complicated.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Considering the lack of answers from the private lab, Moore believes the hair sample is rootless, which makes identification way more complicated.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Hiddink, Di Matteo, and Benitez all benefited from having players full of character as well as the ability to turn up on showpiece occasions.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Taylor, who has since made a full recovery, praised the students for their actions.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
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
  • Maybe the Knicks will evolve again.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
  • Over time these have evolved from general nutrition advice into recommendations on diet and physical activity aimed at preventing chronic disease.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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