expand

synonyms expand , amplify , swell , distend , inflate , dilate mean to increase in size or volume. expand may apply whether the increase comes from within or without and regardless of manner (as growth, unfolding, addition of parts) <a business that expands every year>. amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate <amplify the statement with details>. swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits <the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions> . distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within <a distended abdomen>. inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a resulting vulnerability and liability to sudden collapse <an inflated ego>. dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference <dilated pupils>.