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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
Numerous platforms have been built on the assumption that users have the time and technical expertise to navigate complex dashboards and elaborate functionalities. Michael Pink, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 As shown in the trailer, season 2 revolves around Fielder attempting to decrease fatalities in the airline industry by hosting elaborate roleplays for pilots. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
During last week’s The Hollywood Reporter cover story, Ramsey elaborated on their feelings about parting ways (in the workplace, at least) with Pascal. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025 Bax did not elaborate on those cases where records were not released. Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
  • The teen, who hails from the English city of Chelmsford, underwent more detailed scans at his follow-up appointment, when doctors discovered a large tumor in his brain — a diffuse glioma, stage 4.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The focus is on af Klimt’s engagement with the natural world and exploration of spirituality in nature, juxtaposing detailed renderings of the Swedish flora that surrounded her with enigmatic abstract diagrams.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The application process includes a thorough review of your credit score, income level, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the siblings of the deceased have also been unrelenting in demanding a thorough investigation into Tee'Andrick's murder.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Straightforward shapes like circles and triangles become intricate and complex in his treatments, enticing viewers and demanding to be examined closely.
    Stephanie Rudig, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The ornate dress married sheer dressing with a romantic sensibility, featuring a flowing skirt and sleeveless bodice with intricate mesh work.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Princess of Wales is coming off a very complicated year.
    Blanche Marcel, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Admittedly, the show started to lose some momentum in later seasons as subplots and shifting relationships became more complicated.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Employees who don’t take full advantage of it are missing out on an average of $1,336 each year, which could add up to $42,855 over 20 years assuming an average annual return of 4.5%, according to Vanguard and a 2015 Financial Engines research report.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The full number of health and human services agency full-time positions would be 8,075.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Left unmanaged, these issues can disrupt family dynamics, derail careers, deplete wealth and complicate legacy planning.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Shifting trade policies, geopolitical risks, supply shortages and evolving regulatory landscapes all complicate decision-making.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Those who recognize and act on this shift early will be better equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic threat landscape—safeguarding users, data, and operations in the process. Follow me on LinkedIn.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The oldest rail tunnel in the world, a London Tube section dating from 1863, was completely renovated — including the complex task of changing the old-fashion ballasted track to modern direct rail fixation — using this repair-in-place approach.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The key benefits of integration include: • Enhanced Threat Detection: By unifying security tools, organizations can achieve a holistic view of their threat landscape, enabling the identification of sophisticated attacks that might evade stand-alone systems.
    Bob Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • According to Google, zero-day exploits are becoming increasingly easy for threat actors to develop and procure, which has led to more sophisticated attacks.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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