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elaborate

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verb (1)

as in to unfold
to gradually become clearer or more detailed as mankind's understanding of the universe has elaborated

Synonyms & Similar Words

elaborate (on)

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verb (2)

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 resulting shoot of the photographs come to life resembled a very elaborate, very expensive mannequin challenge, though Brooker prefers to liken it to a stage play. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025 The elaborate enamelwork and unique gemstone settings underscore the craftsmanship and artistry, creating a sense of fantasy and romance. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
Sydney Sweeney Parties in Las Vegas with MGK and Patrick Schwarzenegger Following Split from Her Fiancé Sweeney also elaborated on her decision to keep her love life private in a February 2022 cover story for Cosmpolitan. Jen Juneau, People.com, 31 May 2025 Reached by phone, Bryon disputed Forbes’ valuation of Noem Insurance, but declined to answer further questions or elaborate. Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
  • Diary entries written by Luigi Mangione reveal the now 27-year-old’s detailed thinking before the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year, a new court filing shows.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • Create a detailed picture of how my mornings could be different.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • That means conducting a thorough review of your business finances, including cash inflows and outflows.
    Wayne Anderman, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The intricate scrollwork along the bottom gives it the nouveau feel, but the bow at the top reads modern.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
  • The crown’s intricate decorations, including gold beads and jade pieces, highlight the craftsmanship of the era.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the apotheosis of technical wizardry, Vacheron Constantin debuted the most complicated wristwatch in the world, the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication-La Première.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 15 June 2025
  • The movie centers on a New York City matchmaker caught between Mr. Perfect and her complicated ex. Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal lead the cast.
    EW.com, EW.com, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • My nose and mouth were full of blood, guts and a deep, upsetting warmth.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
  • That Apple can support the M1 chipset some five years down the line and bring the full range of new tools, including the latest generative AI suite, should not come as a surprise.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The moves challenge the traditional U.S. security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • Left unmanaged, these issues can disrupt family dynamics, derail careers, deplete wealth and complicate legacy planning.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The study doesn't, however, prove causation – but this link adds to the growing body of evidence that such bitter taste receptors have more complex biological impacts than simply helping hunter-gatherer humans avoid potential plant toxins.
    Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
  • Those stereotypes are unfounded because, yes, blended scotch, can be both complex and widely-appealing at the same time.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • The foremost conflict playing out across the Middle East today is between Israel and Iran, a nation that already possesses a sophisticated and large-scale nuclear program.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Its one-shoulder neckline and tonal floral texture feel sophisticated yet fun—ideal for summer weddings or rooftop cocktails.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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