1
as in to develop
to express more fully and in greater detail an article on the First Ladies that the author later expanded into a book

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to extend
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area a spare leaf for those times when we have to expand the dining table to accommodate extra guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of expand are amplify, dilate, distend, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When can amplify be used instead of expand?

The meanings of amplify and expand largely overlap; however, amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When might dilate be a better fit than expand?

Although the words dilate and expand have much in common, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When is distend a more appropriate choice than expand?

The words distend and expand can be used in similar contexts, but distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When is it sensible to use inflate instead of expand?

In some situations, the words inflate and expand are roughly equivalent. However, inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

In what contexts can swell take the place of expand?

While the synonyms swell and expand are close in meaning, swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

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 expand Environmental concerns have long hampered plans to expand the airport, as efforts to preserve the marshlands, which are a crucial source of freshwater for South Florida, have routinely clashed with business interests. Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 1 July 2025 In the last five years, the company has worked to expand internationally, with budding sectors in global markets including Latin America and the United States. Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 July 2025 Romanticize your sleep with Tekla’s dainty bedding Since launching in 2017, Tekla has expanded from bedding into sleepwear, bathroom sets, and more. Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 1 July 2025 Weeks later, the BBC expanded Frediani’s empire to include News at One. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • But while Sunday’s race will be a special landmark for Silverstone, reaping the rewards of F1’s popularity boom and its work to develop in recent years, the track’s focus lies on the future.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • The grant is being accompanied by the formation of a new board to develop and oversee a reinvigorated vision that will carry the 180-year old cemetery into the future.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Establishing a medical school here is expected to increase the likelihood of graduates practicing in the area, while addressing a national shortage of physicians.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Research from the study Embrace the Sun with Dr. Grant Lambert shows brain serotonin production increases along with several other health benefits linked directly to sunlight exposure.
    Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The urgency driving these conversations extends beyond the tech titans racing to build machine consciousness.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • The downgrade to a notch above junk was based on loans extended to countries that have defaulted on their obligations.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • This can accelerate aging and increase the risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
    Essence, Essence, 26 June 2025
  • India’s space ambitions have accelerated under Modi, who was elected to a third term last June and has tried to assert India’s place on the global stage.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The group of rats that was fed a diet supplemented with chitosan expelled more MPs that any of the other groups.
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Mütter’s bequest was eventually supplemented by donations from other physicians and scientists.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • That starts with understanding customers' needs, using agents to augment the work sellers do and then providing sales coaching on the go with a closed-loop learning system.
    Anand Shah, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Edwards and Lopez flipping positions has augmented Miami defensively, and Edwards has continued to hit (.283, .358 on base).
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The offshore yuan was little changed on the news and China’s equity futures were yet to open.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Large sliding rear side doors can be configured to open at the push of a key fob button and make buckling kids into their car seats easier, especially in crowded parking lots.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Foodborne illnesses can spike in the summer months, especially given the higher temperatures and rise in outdoor dining like picnics and cookouts.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Mason West is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound rising senior at Edina (Minn.) High School.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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