Synonyms for dilate
Definitions
- v. 1
To enlarge; to make bigger.
The eye doctor put drops in my eye to dilate the pupil so he could see the nerve better.
Forms
- Past participle
- dilated
e.g. dilated → enlarged, expanded, widened, extended…
Choose the right word
We may develop a thought, expand an illustration, extend a discussion, expatiate on a hobby, dilate on something joyous or sad, enlarge a volume, unfold a scheme, widen the range of treatment.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- expand Detours expand your knowledge of the surroundings.
- extend I want to extend my stay here for a few more days.
- widen They're trying to widen the road to the village.
- enlarge He wanted to enlarge his sphere of influence.
By length
- 5 letters
- swell1, widen2
- 6 letters
- spread1, expand2, extend2, unfold2
- 7 letters
- stretch1, enlarge2, augment2, amplify3, inflate2, expound2, descant, distend2, exposit
- 8 letters
- increase2
- 9 letters
- elaborate3, expatiate, lucubrate
- 10 letters
- aggrandize3, aggrandise
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (widen2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- dilater