elaborate (on)

Definition of elaborate (on)next
1
as in to exaggerate
to add to the interest of by including made-up details my friend tends to elaborate on his hiking experiences, turning an ordinary walk in the woods into a hair-raising adventure

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2
as in to develop
to express more fully and in greater detail the candidate for governor refused to elaborate on how she would balance the state's budget

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate (on)
Verb
  • Slightly shimmering effects reflect light in a subtle way, bringing luminosity without being exaggerated; it can be glazed donut–style chrome, or for a more intense effect try a cat-eye finish.
    Andrea Carbajal, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Bosco’s attorneys argue Shaw was exaggerating the situation.
    Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Far more infants given Mead Johnson’s product developed a buildup of acid in the blood called metabolic acidosis than those fed Abbott’s product — 19 versus four, according to results published in the journal PharmacoEconomics.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The guys have put in blood, sweat and tears to develop a top-four defense two weeks ago.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The good times should continue to roll, letting disciplined consumers pad their incomes with free stuff for the foreseeable future.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Silent Way continues in this tack while finding room for more reflective work to pad between the highs.
    Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • With the 2026 midterms approaching, sustained voter unease could reshape the broader electoral map and complicate Republican efforts to hold or expand their congressional margins.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But the department is looking to expand its authority.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Politics, on the other hand, has Nike Jordans and more at its core, with other clothing and accessories to supplement.
    Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Likely meant to send message Those Marine and Army units could supplement special operations forces.
    Chris Boccia, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate%20%28on%29. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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