EXPANSION Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

expansion

noun

ik-ˈspan(t)-shən

Definition of expansion

as in increase

something added (as by growth) the museum's new wing is only the first in a series of expansions planned for the next decade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in evolution

the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced the expansion of remedial reading classes into a district-wide program using school volunteers for a variety of needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in expanse

a wide space or area we gazed in awe at the star-strewn expansion of nighttime sky above us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of expansion That said, worries of a bubble persist, as firms ramp up on capex spending with no end in sight, and sky-high growth figures create questions about sustainability of the expansion. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026 This is an expansion of a recall initiated in July by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur for Publix frozen blueberries and mixed berries. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026 Part of the company's expansion in the Houston area, Lowe’s West Katy location has about 95,000 square feet of retail space and 30,000 square feet of outdoor garden area, the company said in the news release. — Saleen Martin, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026 With the expansion complete, StandardAero can handle more of that work from a city that has supported its operations for more than a century. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expansion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expansion

Noun

Driving the increase in murder charges in fatal crashes are a few factors, Cherney and McClain agree.

— Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Over the past three months, international futures markets saw cocoa rise by more than 60% cumulatively, coffee gain over 30%, and raw sugar futures increase by nearly 30%.

— , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of increase

Noun

This thoughtful evolution ensures this year’s NBC ceremony and future broadcasts remain deeply engaging and tailored to the television audience.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026
Rockstar has said absolutely nothing about GTA 6 Online, an evolution of GTA 5 Online and what will be a deluge of revenue after its release.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of evolution

Noun

Pale stone, dramatically veined marble, warm wood and expanses of mirror are found throughout the flagship, with linear lighting integrated into ceilings and fixtures.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Curving terraces wrap around the structure, while large expanses of glass provide sweeping views over the landscape.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of expanse

Noun

The bike also has a programmable control system that can provide functions such as boost, wheel-lift assistance, speed limiting and what Bonnell calls E-Clutch functionality (more on that later).

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Wichai Yuankham, 35, a factory worker who came to watch the ships arrive, said the naval visit was a welcome boost to the local economy.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of boost

Noun

That could reduce development costs and shorten the path toward manufacturing.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Still, his unwillingness to spend on the margins — in player development, infrastructure, or even to have his radio team travel with the club — left cracks that have only grown bigger over time as the Angels’ playoff drought has gotten longer.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of development

Noun

Trout has spent his entire 16-year career with the Angels, a period that has coincided with one of the worst stretches in franchise history.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Amid a scorching stretch, Bregman ends the month with his lifetime total now sitting at two.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of stretch

Noun

While their new addition has been an adjustment for their twins, the proud parents share that their twins simply adore their baby brother.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Recreation and Parks General Manager Jimmy Kim told residents that installation of an approximately 8-foot fence was expected to begin this fall, followed by artistic and decorative additions through next spring.

— Hanna Kang, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of addition

Noun

The latest operation came a day after Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said progress in improving ties with Afghanistan hinged on actions and assurances from Kabul.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
However, neither Putin nor Sybiha cited specific reasons to expect progress; on the contrary, the Kremlin leader said Ukraine’s latest actions presented an obstacle.

— Reuters, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of progress

Browse Nearby Words

expanses

expansion

expansions

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Expansion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expansion. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of expansion

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes