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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
The spectacle, which opens with flashing lights and deafening music, sets up an elaborate origin story for Vecna and ties into the final season. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 16 Oct. 2025 The ride will achieve its 72 mph by using 4,100 feet of elaborate track that begins in the upper level of the park across from the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the area that previously hosted Universal Hollywood’s special effects and animal shows. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
Trump elaborated on efforts to lay off federal workers during the government shutdown during remarks on Friday evening. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025 At the Comic Con event nine years later, the author elaborated a bit more about the differences between the two famous Martins. Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
  • The Marine Corps will continue its investigation into the cause of the crash, a process that is standard for all aviation incidents, and can last several months, involving a detailed review of maintenance records, flight data, and environmental factors.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Alexandra’s factory did not respond to a detailed list of questions from CNN.
    Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ability to manage growth in a manner that reflects the reasons people find Matthews attractive, create a budget that is thorough and efficient, ability to work with citizens and town leaders to maintain Matthews’ sense of self.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The dealmaking process has been thorough and lengthy, with the 27-member trade bloc and the largest nation in South Asia having met 14 times for negotiations, the last being in Brussels last week.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The group remains committed to intricate harmonies, which are a source of the album’s unique pleasures.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
  • They are designed with intricate details and a grand gold rim that would pair perfectly with these Gold Acorn Appetizer Plates.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps if Wims caught that score-tying pass in the first quarter, the entire game would have unfolded differently.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Written and directed by Rel Dowdell, Train Ride unfolds on the campus of Cheyney University, the nation’s oldest historically Black college.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One of Puth’s greatest talents is constructing songs that sound simple but are powered by dynamic chord switches and deceptively complicated harmonies.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Jets' situation is a little more complicated than that Detroit team.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our hearts are extra full this week 🥰 #DedicationNight featuring our stars’ special guests is TONIGHT - 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Keep reading for a full recap from week 5 of Dancing with the Stars.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 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
  • Kurt's key takeaways AI is evolving faster than most security systems can keep up with.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Paleontologists may have discovered when plant-eating dinosaurs evolved their long necks after a new species of sauropodomorph was found in Argentina.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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