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
Picture lots of neon, elaborate chromatic costumes and stripper poles. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 Since its founding in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery’s permanent residents have lain among the hills of Brooklyn, their tranquility guarded by elaborate statuary, venerable trees, and sumptuous tombs. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
The child was never inside the wolf habitat at the ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, which is part of the Hersheypark theme park, and the officials characterized the injuries as minor without elaborating. ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 Katz did not elaborate on how Israel will determine that. Npr Staff, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
  • Police were unable to provide a detailed description of the suspects, but described them as two African American men between 20 and 30 years of age.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The astronauts obliged, returning detailed observations of Orientale.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, that flexibility is completely meaningless unless anchored by a structured and thorough psychological approach.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Be thorough, because any little tubers that break off will grow many more plants.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Experts gain valuable insights into how animal brains acquire new skills and master intricate sounds by studying vocal learning.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The best and most intricate locks usually cost around $60 and can exceed $100.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The scene unfolding outside the office building was loaded with juxtapositions.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Webbing from grand facades were narrow streets where cats sunned in doorways and artisans claimed corners for their craft, unfolding a space of inclusive second chances.
    Marlise Kast-Myers, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The figures had cracked in many places and some of the statues revealed their complicated armature.
    Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Legacy therapeutic approaches are sometimes complicated, costly, slow or restricted in geography.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Amalia cried after the family was loaded into a van full of other parents and young children.
    Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Lush, vibrant and full of life, California Tropicals instantly brightens any space while adding fresh, feel-good energy.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 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
  • The executive director of Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District provided a statement, saying the wharf is evolving, new businesses are opening, and the area is expanding in ways that make Fisherman's Wharf more accessible and engaging.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Govan said 45 curators collaborated on the installation, which fills about 110,000 square feet of gallery space and will continue to evolve over time.
    City News Service, Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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