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Definitions

expand

[ik-spand] / ɪkˈspænd /
VERB
extend, augment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bolster broaden develop enlarge grow increase open spread swell widen
STRONG
aggrandize amplify bloat burgeon detail diffuse dilate distend elaborate embellish explicate fatten heighten hike inflate lengthen magnify mount multiply mushroom pad piggyback prolong protract pyramid stretch thicken unfold unfurl unravel unroll wax
WEAK
beef up blow up bulk up fan out fill out open out outspread puff up slap on soup up spread out stretch out tack on upsurge
Antonyms
STRONGEST
close compress decrease diminish end halt hide hinder lessen narrow reduce restrict shrink stop
STRONG
abbreviate contract curtail deflate fall lower shorten shrivel simplify tangle thin withhold
WEAK
abridge
VERB
go into detail
Synonyms
STRONGEST
build up develop enlarge extend
STRONG
amplify dilate discourse elaborate embellish expatiate expound sweeten
WEAK
beef up drag out flesh out spell out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abridge compress condense curtail decrease lessen lower shrink
STRONG
contract reduce simplify
WEAK
abbreviate shorten

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These cells communicate with cancer cells through a defined signaling system, creating conditions that help the tumor survive and expand.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Mithril wants to expand beyond schools to become the go-to security force for entities from private companies to government agencies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The Military Service Modernisation Act sets out plans to expand the number of active personnel from around 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“I will continue to get more comfortable as I learn and grow and expand my financial knowledge,” she said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Ella could've sworn she felt it expand under her feet little by little to make sure everyone fit.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.