English dictionary



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English verb: expand

1. expand (motion) extend in one or more directions


SamplesThe dough expands.


Synonymsspread out


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Something is ----ing PP


Broader (hypernym)grow


Narrower (hyponym)bush out, dispread


Antonymsshrink, contract

2. expand (change) become larger in size or volume or quantity


SamplesHis business expanded rapidly.


Pattern of useSomething ----s


Broader (hypernym)grow


Narrower (hyponym)balloon, billow, inflate, intumesce, swell, swell up, tumefy, tumesce

3. expand (change) make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity


SamplesExpand the house by adding another wing.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)enlarge


Narrower (hyponym)blow up, develop, inflate

4. expand (change) grow vigorously


SamplesThe deer population in this town is thriving.
Business is booming.


ExamplesThe business is going to expand


Synonymsboom, flourish, thrive


Pattern of useSomething ----s


Broader (hypernym)grow


Narrower (hyponym)luxuriate, revive

5. expand (change) exaggerate or make bigger


SamplesThe charges were inflated.


Synonymsamplify, blow up, inflate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)increase


Narrower (hyponym)puff up

6. expand (communication) add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing


SamplesShe elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation.


Synonymsdilate, elaborate, enlarge, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, lucubrate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something.
Something ----s something.
Somebody ----s PP


Broader (hypernym)clarify, clear up, elucidate


Narrower (hyponym)detail, exemplify, exposit, expound, illustrate, instance, particularise, particularize, set forth, specialise, specialize, specify


Antonymsabbreviate, abridge, foreshorten, shorten, contract, reduce, cut

7. expand (change) expand the influence of


SamplesThe King extended his rule to the Eastern part of the continent.


Synonymsextend


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)alter, change, modify


Verb groupbroaden, extend, widen









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