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 Prime-One intends to serve nearby towns as well, with the founders saying the plan is to serve 4,000 homes with the initial build and then expand further. ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025 Mari said the strike has now expanded to include Teamsters in California and Washington state, and that upwards of 4,000 union members are now in the midst of a work stoppage. Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 14 July 2025 The former carpet warehouse was already outfitted with car lifts — that Tires, Etc. location (Mr. Gerben owns several) was going to expand — and Gillis paid out of pocket to build out the rest of the set. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025 As part of the package, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will deliver more than $275 million in grant funding to expand parking access for truck drivers nationwide. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for expand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • As a result, Tehran has tried to balance Chinese influence by maintaining strong ties to India, Beijing’s chief rival within the developing world.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025
  • Reef habitats support aquatic plants and animals, allowing young marine life to develop.
    Rafe Pomerance, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Over the past year or so, those activities have increased.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
  • The Reserve Bank of India has increased its gold holdings by 35% in the last five years, according to Solomon Global.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The implications of the Democrats’ current predicament extend far beyond immediate legislative setbacks.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
  • Those benefits extend beyond Rosary’s walls, school leadership has said.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Whether through the Deloitte Global FoF framework or others, leaders can benefit from taking a structured approach to investing in smart operations and to accelerating the convergence of IT and OT.
    John England, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Flooding that started slow was quickly accelerating.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • People who adhere to a vegan diet may need to supplement with vitamin B12.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
  • Their plan, announced in a recent op-ed for The Washington Post, would establish a new fund parallel to the existing Social Security Trust Fund, investing in a diversified portfolio including stocks and bonds to achieve higher returns and supplement traditional funding methods.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Choose solutions that augment human intelligence—leveraging AI, behavioral science and automation to unlock capacity, not just cut costs.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The east and south faces of the building, currently solid brick, will be opened to provide windows.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
  • According to a press release, the festival has also opened its call to artists, which invites local and international creators to submit their ideas to become part of the immersive art and light event.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Comparing unit prices at the grocery store, shopping the sale racks and collecting spare change are necessities for many Americans, who are coping with stagnant wages, rising prices and mounting bills.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • Success for any one of the players, as well as the end-users, constitutes a rising tide for industrial autonomy.
    Richard Bishop, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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