verb (v)

• extend in one or more directions(verb.motion)

  Example:
  The dough expands.
  

  Synonym:
  spread out
  Antonym:
  contract, shrink
  

  source: wordnet30
• become larger in size or volume or quantity(verb.change)

  Example:
  His business expanded rapidly.
  

  source: wordnet30
• make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity(verb.change)

  Example:
  Expand the house by adding another wing.
  

  source: wordnet30
• grow vigorously(verb.change)

  Synonym:
  boom, flourish, thrive
  

  source: wordnet30
• exaggerate or make bigger(verb.change)

  Synonym:
  amplify, blow up, inflate
  

  source: wordnet30
• add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing(verb.communication)

  Synonym:
  dilate, elaborate, enlarge, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, lucubrate
  Antonym:
  abbreviate, abridge, contract, cut, foreshorten, reduce, shorten
  

  source: wordnet30
• expand the influence of(verb.change)

  Synonym:
  extend
  

  source: wordnet30
• To lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves.(verb)

  source: webster1913
• To become widely opened, spread apart, dilated, distended, or enlarged; as, flowers expand in the spring; metals expand by heat; the heart expands with joy.(verb)

  source: webster1913