Definition of expandnext
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 Netflix continues to expand its presence in the preschool space. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 Broader defense applications The latest contract expands a growing portfolio of defense manufacturing projects for the company. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026 Amazon is launching dedicated Creator Hub to Fire TV this summer, creating a new section for videos and podcasts from digital creators to expand beyond social media and into connected TV. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 22 June 2026 Last month, the US Space Force awarded a $94 million contract to Observable Space to expand its production of high-performance optical telescopes. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • Both Kodiak and Aurora are developing self-driving trucks with traditional driver’s components like a steering wheel.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • The new look, developed with branding firm Turner Duckworth, moves Sam’s Club into a brighter blue, a lowercase wordmark and a diamond that now does more than decorate the name.
    Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Your visibility increases with the start of Cancer season.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • Health officials said the risk of exposure could increase as summer travel ramps up and Los Angeles welcomes international visitors for FIFA World Cup events being held in the region.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The global index provider extended Indonesia’s status as an emerging market after freezing the country’s stocks in its indexes in January, citing investability concerns.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 24 June 2026
  • Tuesday’s ruling declares the case a class action and extends the order nationwide.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • At the same time, agriculture is one of the sectors most threatened by climate change, with rising temperatures set to devastate food crops around the world.
    Jasmin Sykes, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • The solution for this is to construct a new gaseous nitrogen system to supplement the existing capacity, but the $25 million project is currently unfunded.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026
  • The effort to supplement what the school receives directly from Chicago Public Schools has paid off.
    Mila Koumpilova, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Britain's revolving door of prime minister, affecting both Labour and Conservative parties, accelerated in the wake of the 2016 Brexit vote to leave the European Union economic bloc.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • And the pace of technology change is only accelerating.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Iran also committed to open its facilities to extensive international inspections in exchange for the sanctions relief and unfreezing of its foreign assets.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Alvarado said the bar made a last-minute decision to open early Thursday to screen the event.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Sense of place The river — which swells with spring snowmelt — and surrounding wilderness give the property a strong sense of place.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • Symptoms can be mild to severe and range from nausea, itching, abdominal pain, swelling of the lips to life-threatening symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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