Synonyms for expand
Synonyms by meaning
Verb
1. Enlarge
enlarge, broaden, widen, dilate, elaborate, expound formal, thicken, flesh out, expatiate dated, lucubrate rare, exposit rare
2. Spread out — to change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open
spread out, develop, spread, evolve, fill out, unfold, open out, open, deploy, diffuse
3. Increase
increase, amplify, inflate, fill, aggrandize, aggrandise UK, swell, distend
Definitions
- v. 1
To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.
You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.
- v. 2
To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).
A flower expands its leaves.
- v. 3
To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
- v. 4
To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms.
Use the binomial theorem to expand #123;(x#43;1)#125;⁴.
Related words
- Word family
- expandable expander expanse expansible expansile expansion expansive
- Phrases
- expand one's wings
Forms
- Past participle
- expanded
e.g. expanded → enlarged, broadened, widened, dilated…
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
- broaden She suggested reading more books to broaden the mind.
- widen They're trying to widen the road to the village.
- enlarge He wanted to enlarge his sphere of influence.
- dilate I hate the drops doctors use to dilate my eyes for an eye exam.
- develop What does it mean to develop a sound architecture?
By length
- 4 letters
- open2, grow1, fill1, boom1
- 5 letters
- relax2, swell1, widen2
- 6 letters
- spread1, extend2, evolve2, deploy2, thrive1, unfold2, dilate2, rarefy3
- 7 letters
- develop3, stretch1, broaden2, diffuse2, enlarge2, amplify3, inflate2, thicken2, expound2, burgeon2, distend2, exposit
- 8 letters
- increase2, flourish2
- 9 letters
- elaborate3, expatiate, lucubrate
- 10 letters
- aggrandize3, aggrandise
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (open2 = 2 syllables).