1. (

• expand ,
• spread_out ,

) extend in one or more directions; "The dough expands" ;

2. (

• expand ,

) become larger in size or volume or quantity; "his business expanded rapidly" ;

3. (

• expand ,

) make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity; "expand the house by adding another wing" ;

4. (

• boom ,
• thrive ,
• flourish ,
• expand ,

) grow vigorously; "The deer population in this town is thriving"; "business is booming" ;

5. (

• inflate ,
• blow_up ,
• expand ,
• amplify ,

) exaggerate or make bigger; "The charges were inflated" ;

6. (

• elaborate ,
• lucubrate ,
• expatiate ,
• exposit ,
• enlarge ,
• flesh_out ,
• expand ,
• expound ,
• dilate ,

) 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" ;

7. (

• extend ,
• expand ,

) expand the influence of; "The King extended his rule to the Eastern part of the continent" ;