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 Andermatt is the buzziest ski resort in the region, having recently expanded with new hotels, shops, and even an opera hall in a stylish new village. AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025 Chick-fil-A has previously expanded into other business ventures. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 Housenbold and Donaldson were introduced in 2024, and later that year spent a day together discussing how to expand MrBeast’s business into Australia. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025 The office plans to expand to other areas of the city as well. Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • It was developed in 2016 by Vicente Esteban, who was a master’s student at the Royal College of Art in London.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • What was your approach to developing and bringing him to life?
    Giana Levy, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • They were presented as part of what the administration said was its commitment to identify the root causes of autism, diagnoses of which have increased in recent years.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Several studies conducted over the past decade have probed whether acetaminophen increases the risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The closure of the crossing has stranded Palestinians abroad, while patients receiving medical treatment in Jordan were forced to extend their stays on limited budgets.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
  • My secret tip is to extend your face wash to your scalp instead!
    Essence, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cade Saunders and Elijah Womack both had rushing TDs in the first quarter to accelerate the blowout, and Saunders also had a pick to set up another first-half score.
    Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Analysts say the shift is accelerating decision-making and increasing the likelihood of military action.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Atterholt said the fiber optic sensing technology would not supplant traditional seismometers, but would supplement what data already exists and would be less expensive than installing seismometers on the seafloor.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Clinical decision support tools are not meant to replace physicians' education and expertise, but to supplement them.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For retailers, this evolution is less about replacing human judgment and more about augmenting it with capabilities that can process complexity at a scale and speed humans can't match.
    Charisma Glassman, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Britain’s queen consort augmented her sapphire gown with special pieces of sapphire and diamond jewelry, including a tiara that paid homage to Queen Elizabeth II — the Belgian sapphire tiara.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One point is needed to open each door between rooms, and some rooms have multi-point penalties just for entering.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • This is a woman who can’t open the refrigerator without having a panic attack.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There will be times, like at a raucous Goodison Park last February, when Everton can rise to an occasion and make life difficult for their neighbours.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • At times like the present, when inflation is rising and the labor market is slowing, the dual mandates are sitting on a see-saw.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.

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