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[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.

They are failing to expand their ranges because of a lack of suitable new habitats to colonise.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

UL Solutions will expand its global footprint with 44 labs, including seven in the U.S., strengthening its testing market position.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The companies plan to expand into cities with colder weather, which can worsen the pothole problem.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The Lib Dems say they would pass a new law that would require developers to fund, build, or expand existing GP surgeries in time for the arrival of new residents.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

She was in front of him now, and Jack felt his chest expand and then freeze, an inhalation with no companion.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

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