expansionary
/ɪkˈspænʃənri/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈspænʃəneri/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈspan(t)-shə-ˌner-ē/ (ame, mw)
expansionary — adjective
- expansionarypositive
- more expansionarycomparative
- most expansionarysuperlative
1. describing a policy or measure meant to make people and companies spend more mon
describing a policy or measure meant to make people and companies spend more money, especially during a weak economy
Analysts called the new tax cuts expansionary for small local shops.
expansionary + tax cuts in economic analysis
The central bank kept an expansionary stance through the winter slowdown.
expansionary stance in policy discussion
Owen said the relief checks were too expansionary during high inflation.
An expansionary budget gave hospitals money to hire more nurses.
- stimulative
close in meaning, but often sounds more technical and focuses on giving activity a lift
- growth-oriented
broader and less tied to money or fiscal policy
- loose
common mainly for monetary policy, especially easy credit or lower rates
- contractionary
describes policy aimed at slowing spending or demand
- restrictive
broader term for holding back activity or access
文法句型
expansionary budget
expansionary fiscal policy
be expansionary during a downturn
用法筆記
Most often used about government budgets, taxes, interest rates, or central-bank decisions. It suggests that spending or borrowing will rise, not simply that an organization will get bigger.
2. encouraging an organization, market, influence, or activity to spread or become
encouraging an organization, market, influence, or activity to spread or become larger
The startup adopted an expansionary strategy after strong sales in Manila.
expansionary strategy for business growth
Amira rejected the club's expansionary plan to open five branches.
Investors liked the chain's expansionary approach to smaller city markets.
The party kept an expansionary agenda even after losing two seats.
- expansive
broader and often used for large style, attitude, or scope, not only growth plans
- growth-minded
less formal and often used for business attitudes
- outward-looking
focuses on reaching beyond current limits, not necessarily on size alone
- cautious
suggests slow, careful development rather than active growth
- inward-looking
focuses on internal concerns instead of wider reach
文法句型
expansionary strategy
expansionary agenda
expansionary plan for new markets
用法筆記
Broader than adjective/1 because it can describe companies, parties, or institutions, not only spending policy. Unlike adjective/3, it refers to widening scale or influence rather than gaining territory.
3. aimed at bringing more territory under a country's control
aimed at bringing more territory under a country's control
The speech praised an expansionary navy that could seize nearby islands.
expansionary + military force
Historians describe the king's expansionary plans as a cause of war.
The treaty tried to limit expansionary moves along the northern border.
Citizens feared the new ruler was too expansionary toward weaker neighbors.
- imperialist
stronger and more ideological, often criticizing control over other places
- aggressive
broader and can refer to forceful behavior without land-taking
- annexationist
narrower, stressing the goal of formally taking territory
- defensive
focused on protecting current borders rather than extending them
- non-expansionist
explicitly rejects the aim of taking more land
文法句型
expansionary plans
expansionary ruler
be expansionary toward neighboring states
用法筆記
Usually used in political or historical discussion about states, rulers, or armies. Distinguish it from adjective/2, which can describe organizational or market growth without taking land.