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 That expanded quite a bit at this year's developer conference, and users can converse about codebases, discuss changes, or ask for suggestions using ChatGPT. Samuel Axon, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025 That means leaning in on our efforts to expand voter education and outreach, particularly in underserved communities. Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025 Culver's — which is expanding in Wisconsin and in the country — is proposing a Germantown location. Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Asked to expand on the point, Xavier rattles off a sermon. Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • Approximately 80% of humans develop dermatitis upon exposure, the University of Chicago said.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The Royals continue to develop Bergert with each start.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • During the month of its release, the number of articles about KPop Demon Hunters increased nearly four-fold to 1,394.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The program helped increase all patients’ access to care — not just kids’ — but the impact of its loss is greater for pediatricians because so many children in Idaho are on Medicaid.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The New Start Treaty remains the only bilateral nuclear arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia, and though it was extended in 2021, it is set to expire in February 2026.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Evacuation orders and warnings were in place for both Deschutes and Jefferson counties, and were extended to just outside Sisters and along Highway 126 on Aug. 24.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Toucan’s carbon pool grew 400% in 2024 as institutional ESG demand accelerated.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Beijing has been keen to attract diaspora researchers back to China since before Trump’s second term — scientists are offered financial incentives, and the number returning tripled between 2010 and 2021 — but funding cuts appear to have accelerated the process.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Since the trend-setting move to supplement racing purses with gaming machine money, the live racing meet has grown by leaps and bounds.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Michigan's universal programs provides meals for all students, regardless of family income, by supplementing the federal funding.
    Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The results mirror our Middlebury findings: Globally, students who use AI tend to be more likely to use it to augment their coursework, rather than automate it.
    Germán Reyes, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025
  • This year, the state plans to augment its LIHEAP grant with more than $7 million in unused funds from past winter heating assistance efforts.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Gather made its Bay View debut Aug. 12 and will be opening in the Falls Aug. 13.
    Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Additionally, the reservoir expansion plan is expected to open the canal to 15 more transits per day.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The reduction came as rents in Chicago keep rising and after the state grappled with serious fiscal challenges when balancing its budget this year, issues exacerbated by a federal government focused on axing spending.
    Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Expect creeks to rise and have more flow in the Coastal Range, Willapa Hills and Cascades.
    Zach Urness, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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