“Expand” does the job — but the right alternative does more. Here are 6 curated replacements, each with a definition, pronunciation, and an example of it working on the page.
To grow or develop rapidly and vigorously, especially in early stages.
“The startup began to burgeon overnight, doubling its user base within a single week.”
Best for: Works well for organic, natural growth — plants, ideas, movements, cities.
To increase rapidly in number or spread widely across a space.
“Misinformation continued to proliferate across every social platform without restraint.”
Best for: Strong in academic, journalistic, or analytical writing — especially for things multiplying uncontrolled.
To increase the strength, scope, or intensity of something.
“The new policy would amplify the voices of communities long ignored by lawmakers.”
Best for: Punchy and modern — great for media, tech, and persuasive writing.
To widen or cause to open outward, physically or conceptually.
“Her thinking began to dilate as the philosopher's argument slowly reshaped her assumptions.”
Best for: Elegant in medical or philosophical contexts; slightly unexpected when used abstractly.
To increase the power, status, or scale of something, often impressively or excessively.
“The emperor sought to aggrandize his empire by absorbing every neighboring territory.”
Best for: Best for writing about power, ego, empires, or ambition — carries a slightly critical undertone.
To swell or expand gradually, used in archaic or highly formal prose.
“The river began to tumescere with spring melt, pressing dangerously against its ancient stone banks.”
Best for: Extremely rare in modern usage — reserved for archaic fiction, poetry, or deliberate stylistic flourish.
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