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Definition of expansionary

expansionary

/ɪkˈspænʃəˌnɛri/
ex · pan · sion · ar · y
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expansionary Lexical Profile

expansionary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, tending toward, or characterized by expansion, especially of economic activity, credit, or money supply through fiscal or monetary policy.

Example

"The central bank adopted an expansionary monetary policy by lowering interest rates to stimulate business investment."

2

Intended or serving to increase the size, scope, or territory of an organization, state, or system.

Example

"The corporation announced an ambitious expansionary strategy to open fifty new retail locations across Europe."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for expansionary
Antonyms
View all antonyms for expansionary

Word Nuance & Usage

'Expansionary' is most frequently used in economics to describe fiscal or monetary policies aimed at stimulating economic growth, whereas 'expansionist' typically carries a political or military connotation regarding territorial conquest.

• Rhymes for expansionary

• Nearby Words

expander
expanse
expansion
expansionary
expansionist
expansive
expansively

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century from the noun 'expansion' (from Late Latin 'expansio', meaning 'a spreading out') and the adjectival suffix '-ary'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Expansionary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/expansionary
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