21 Best Synonyms for Develop | Another Word for Develop (With Examples)

You know how sometimes you want to say “develop” but want to sound a little different or more interesting? Maybe you're writing a story, a report, or just chatting, and you want fresh words that mean the same thing. Well, I got you! Let's explore some cool and easy words you can use instead of “develop.” Each one is explained with simple words and examples you'll find in real life. Ready? Let's go!

1. Grow

To grow means to get bigger, stronger, or better over time. You can think about a plant growing from a tiny seed to a big tree. People also grow their skills or ideas. For example, she grew her cooking skills by practicing every day. Kids grow taller and smarter as they get older. A small business can grow into a big company. So, growing is about change and improvement in size or quality. It's simple but powerful because everything around us grows in some way, just like us!

2. Build

To build means to make something step by step, like putting pieces together. It's often used for houses, but also for ideas, friendships, or careers. For example, he built a treehouse with his friends. You can build trust with someone by being honest. Building is about starting small and making it strong and useful. Think of how you build a sandcastle or build muscles at the gym. It's about putting effort into creating something solid and lasting.

3. Create

To create means to make something new that didn't exist before. It could be art, stories, inventions, or even fun games. For example, she created a beautiful painting for her room. When you create, you use your imagination and skills. Writers create books, and chefs create delicious recipes. Creating is exciting because it brings ideas to life. It's like being an artist with a blank canvas or a builder with new tools. When you create, you give the world something fresh and unique.

4. Improve

To improve means to make something better than it was before. You can improve your grades by studying, or improve your health by exercising. For example, he improved his soccer skills by practicing every weekend. It's about fixing problems or adding good things. When you improve something, you bring it closer to the best it can be. Even small changes, like improving your handwriting, can make a big difference. Improving helps you grow in many areas of life.

5. Expand

To expand means to make something larger or cover more space. It can be a business opening new stores or a story adding more details. For example, the company expanded to three new cities last year. When you expand your mind, you learn new ideas. Even a balloon expands when you blow air into it! Expanding is about reaching out and becoming bigger or wider in area or influence. It's like growing but often about size or reach.

6. Form

To form means to bring parts together to make a whole. It can be a group of friends, a plan, or a shape. For example, they formed a team to work on the project. Clouds form in the sky when water comes together. You also form habits by doing things again and again. Forming is about starting something by putting pieces in place. It's the beginning of making something real from many small parts.

7. Make

To make means to produce or cause something to happen. It's a very simple and useful word. You can make a cake, make a decision, or make friends. For example, she made a birthday card for her mom. Making is about turning ideas or ingredients into something real. It's everywhere in daily life, from making breakfast to making plans for the weekend. When you make something, you create or cause it to be.

8. Advance

To advance means to move forward or improve. It's often used for careers or skills. For example, he advanced in his job after taking a training course. You can also advance technology by inventing new tools. It's about progress and moving closer to a goal. When you advance, you don't stay still—you get better or go further in whatever you do. It feels like climbing a ladder step by step.

9. Produce

To produce means to make or create something, especially in large amounts. Factories produce cars, farmers produce vegetables, and writers produce books. For example, the factory produced 1,000 toys last month. Producing is about creating things that people need or use. It can be things you touch or ideas you share. When you produce, you turn effort and materials into something useful or valuable.

10. Increase

To increase means to make something bigger in number, size, or amount. You can increase your savings by putting more money in your bank account. For example, she increased her daily steps by walking more. It's like growing but usually about counting or measuring more of something. Increasing is important when you want to reach higher goals or add more value to what you have.

11. Raise

To raise means to lift something up or make it higher. You can raise your hand, raise money for charity, or raise animals on a farm. For example, they raised $500 for the local shelter. Raising is about pushing or helping something grow or become better. It's a word often used when helping or improving something by giving it support or care.

12. Enhance

To enhance means to improve something and make it more attractive or effective. For example, she enhanced the photo with bright colors. You can enhance your skills by practicing or enhance a room by adding decorations. It's about making something better, often in a way that others notice. Enhancing helps things stand out and be more useful or beautiful.

13. Progress

To progress means to move forward or improve step by step. Students progress through grades, and athletes progress in training. For example, he progressed quickly in learning to swim. Progress is about steady growth and moving toward a goal. It's not about doing everything at once, but getting better little by little.

14. Establish

To establish means to set something up so it lasts. It can be a company, a friendship, or rules. For example, they established a new club at school. Establishing is about starting something strong and real, so it can continue over time. When you establish trust, you make sure it stays solid between people.

15. Cultivate

To cultivate means to help something grow by taking care of it. Farmers cultivate land to grow crops, but you can also cultivate skills or friendships. For example, she cultivated her love for music by practicing every day. Cultivating is about giving time and attention to help something develop well.

16. Strengthen

To strengthen means to make something stronger or better. You can strengthen your muscles by exercising, or strengthen a team by working together. For example, they strengthened their friendship by spending more time together. Strengthening helps things last longer and work better.

Synonym for Develop

I hope these different words help you say “develop” in new and fun ways. Using fresh words makes your writing and talking more interesting and clear. Try them out in your next story, report, or chat with friends!

More Synonyms That May Surprise You

Advance
Assemble
Boost
Build Up
Change
Construct
Cultivate
Deepen
Enlarge
Evolve
Expand
Extend
Foster
Generate
Improve
Increase
Innovate
Lift
Nurture
Perfect
Progress
Promote
Raise
Refine
Reinforce
Reshape
Revamp
Revolutionize
Rise
Shape
Sharpen
Sharpen Up
Shoot Up
Skyrocket
Spark
Start
Stretch
Strengthen
Stretch Out
Succeed
Surge
Swell
Take Shape
Transform
Turn
Upgrade
Uplift
Widen
Work On
Yield
Zoom