Expand meaning

What does “expand” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“expand” is a verb with 7 meanings. Its most common meaning is: extend in one or more directions.

expand

extend in one or more directions
“The dough expands”
Synonymsspread out
Oppositescontract
become larger in size or volume or quantity
“his business expanded rapidly”
make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity
“expand the house by adding another wing”
grow vigorously
“The deer population in this town is thriving”
“business is booming”
Synonymsboom thrive flourish
exaggerate or make bigger
“The charges were inflated”
Synonymsinflate blow up amplify
add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing
“She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation”
Synonymselaborate lucubrate expatiate exposit enlarge flesh out expound dilate
Oppositescontract
expand the influence of
“The King extended his rule to the Eastern part of the continent”
Synonymsextend

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University