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

Relevance

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 But the research firm also believes Trump’s plan to work with Congress to extend and expand his 2017 tax cuts, along with his deregulation push, could juice business confidence and growth, further raising inflation risks. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 Expanded Direct File Direct File, the IRS' free tax filing program, has expanded to taxpayers in 25 states for 2024 returns, up from 12 in the 2023 season. Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 The new store will also greatly expand the selection of artist and band merchandise and audio equipment like turntables and speakers, as well as new and used vinyl and CDs. Jem Aswad, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 During the month of January, sky gazers will be able to see four planets in one view — and come February, the parade will only expand. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for expand 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expand
Verb
  • Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb trusts Burns to attack practice head-on to teach, develop and ingrain defensive principles when players arrive at University Park.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
  • In her new role, Russell is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the firm, developing and improving business, recruiting and pipeline growth strategies, fostering strong relationships internally and assisting staff in providing outstanding client services, the release said.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Another 2021 study found that sleep deprivation increased levels of cortisol during interpersonal conflict.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Taxes increased, public spending was reined in, and price controls were largely abolished.
    Marina P. Asins, Architectural Digest, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • However, unless Congress extends temporary tax relief set to expire at the end of the year, IDR loan forgiveness could go back to being taxable again starting in 2026.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Attempts to make up for this by extending the cooking time may lead to overcooked or dried-out food.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This shift not only optimizes workforce resources but also accelerates procurement timelines, driving greater operational efficiency.
    Komal Goyal, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Nevitt said that the invocation of the Defense Production Act, which can be used to accelerate manufacturing, is also possible.
    Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • These troops will supplement National Guard forces currently deployed at the border to support the Department of Homeland Security.
    Elizabeth Goitein, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The team then supplemented that information by analyzing their droppings to better understand how their hormone levels changed over time.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The military has been deployed in this role for years, and President Biden relied on the same emergency authority to augment their numbers.
    Elizabeth Goitein, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The Arsenal hierarchy recognise there is some urgency to the situation, and are actively seeking to augment Arteta’s attacking options between now and the February 3 deadline.
    James McNicholas, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The show eventually opened there later that year, followed by a run in Washington, D.C., in late 2023.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025
  • After some remarks from House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, the issue was opened for a floor vote, which failed, largely along party lines.
    Mikenzie Frost, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • About 5% of males have complete ED at age 40, and this percentage rises to 30-40% in males 80 or older.2 Given this prevalence and the effect ED can have on quality of life, proper diagnosis is critical.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Fear has always attempted to step into the void, yet hope has consistently risen to meet the challenge.
    John Hope Bryant, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near expand

Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expand. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!