18 Other Ways to Say DEVELOP | Develop Synonyms (Examples)

You want to sound more creative and clear in your writing. Using the word “develop” too often can feel repetitive. Luckily, there are many easy words you can use instead. Each one gives a slightly different meaning that can make your sentences more interesting and stronger.

18 Different Ways to Say DEVELOP: Another Word for Develop

Build

“Build” is a simple word that shows creating or making something step by step. It works well when you want to describe making something physical, like a house, or even ideas, skills, or projects. You use it when the focus is on putting parts together carefully to get a finished product. Build feels very active and hands-on, which makes it perfect when you want to show effort, planning, and growth over time. It relates to develop because developing something often starts from nothing and grows stronger as it is built.

I want to build my own small business.
She built her skills by practicing every day.
We are building a new software program.
They built a beautiful garden in their backyard.
He is building confidence before the big presentation.
The company is building a new strategy for growth.

Grow

“Grow” is perfect when talking about natural or gradual improvement. You use it when something gets bigger, stronger, or better over time, whether it is plants, skills, or even relationships. It connects to develop because developing often means change and improvement. Grow emphasizes progress, patience, and steady results. People like this word because it feels positive and natural. It is gentle but strong, showing that what you develop is not rushed but nurtured carefully.

She wants to grow her knowledge in cooking.
The company is growing very fast this year.
He grew more confident after his training.
We hope to grow our friendship over time.
The garden grows beautifully every spring.
They are growing their audience with online videos.

Create

“Create” is all about bringing something new into existence. It works when you want to show originality, imagination, or making something from scratch. This word fits perfectly when you develop ideas, plans, or art because it emphasizes starting and producing something fresh. Create connects to develop because development often begins with creativity and vision. Using create makes your sentences feel inspiring and active, showing action and initiative in bringing something new to life.

She created a beautiful painting for her class.
I want to create a new app for students.
He creates interesting stories for children.
They are creating a plan to improve sales.
The artist created a sculpture from clay.
We created a website for our small business.

Improve

“Improve” focuses on making something better. You use it when something already exists but needs to get stronger, faster, or higher quality. It works perfectly for skills, habits, systems, or products. Improve relates to develop because development often means growth and progress. Using this word shows that effort is being made to upgrade or fix something. Improve feels very practical and achievable, which makes it easy for readers to understand the process and outcome of development.

She improved her English by reading every day.
We need to improve the software before release.
He improved his running speed after training.
The teacher helped him improve his writing.
They improved the design of the new product.
I want to improve my cooking skills.

Expand

“Expand” works when something is growing bigger in size, scope, or influence. You use it when development means reaching more people, areas, or ideas. Expand is useful for businesses, knowledge, or plans. It relates to develop because development often involves reaching new levels or spaces. Expand shows action, progress, and ambition. It is ideal when you want to show growth beyond the starting point and emphasize the increase or enlargement of something important.

The company expanded its services nationwide.
She expanded her vocabulary with new words.
He expanded his business into a new city.
We want to expand our skills in design.
They expanded the project to include more features.
The library expanded its collection of books.

Advance

“Advance” highlights moving forward or making progress. It is perfect when development means improvement toward a goal. You use it for careers, technology, or learning. Advance relates to develop because development often pushes something from a lower level to a higher one. This word gives a sense of speed, direction, and success. Using advance makes your sentences feel strong and motivating, showing clear progress and achievement.

She advanced her career by learning new skills.
Technology is advancing every year.
He advanced his knowledge in mathematics.
We want to advance our project quickly.
The team advanced to the final round.
They advanced their plan to the next stage.

Form

“Form” is about starting or shaping something. It is often used when development is in the early stage, like creating a group, idea, or habit. Form works because it focuses on structure and creation. Using this word shows that development is not finished yet but is taking shape. Form emphasizes beginnings, foundations, and preparation, which makes it an excellent synonym for develop when you want to highlight the early stages of growth.

They formed a team for the project.
She formed a new habit of reading daily.
The company formed a plan for expansion.
He formed an idea for a new app.
We formed a group to help the community.
The committee formed a set of rules.

Make

“Make” is simple and universal. It works when you want to describe creating, producing, or causing something. Make is easy to understand and very versatile. It connects to develop because development often involves creating or bringing something into being. Using make keeps your writing clear and action-focused. It shows that development is happening actively and intentionally. This word is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants plain, effective language.

I made a cake for my friend.
She made a new plan for her project.
He made a model of the bridge.
They made changes to the schedule.
We made a list of things to improve.
The team made a new game together.

Design

“Design” focuses on planning and creating something with intention. You use it when development involves strategy, thought, or visual planning. Design relates to develop because creating often starts with a clear plan or idea. Using this word highlights careful thought, creativity, and planning. Design works for products, graphics, systems, or ideas. It emphasizes both imagination and practical organization, making development feel purposeful and precise.

She designed a new logo for the company.
We designed a plan for the event.
He designed his own website from scratch.
They designed a new chair for the office.
The students designed posters for the campaign.
I designed a new layout for my room.

Train

“Train” is about learning and improving skills. You use it when development focuses on practice, repetition, and gaining ability. Train works well for personal growth, sports, or professional skills. It relates to develop because development often requires effort, guidance, and repeated practice. Using train highlights action and progress. This word is perfect when you want to show that growth comes from learning, preparation, and active improvement over time.

He trained for a marathon every morning.
She trained her dog to follow commands.
We trained our staff in customer service.
The student trained to improve her writing.
They trained the team for the competition.
I trained myself to wake up early.

Enhance

“Enhance” is about making something better or more valuable. You use it when development improves quality, appearance, or function. Enhance connects to develop because developing often means upgrading or refining something. Using enhance gives a positive, uplifting feeling. It is perfect when you want to show improvement that increases effectiveness or attractiveness. This word works well for skills, experiences, products, or systems, showing that development adds extra value.

She enhanced her skills with online courses.
We enhanced the app with new features.
He enhanced the picture with better lighting.
The team enhanced the project design.
They enhanced their performance with practice.
I enhanced my resume before applying for jobs.

Upgrade

“Upgrade” focuses on improving something to a higher level. You use it when development involves moving from basic to better quality, technology, or skills. Upgrade relates to develop because development often aims for higher performance. Using upgrade shows progress, improvement, and modernity. It is ideal for technology, careers, or personal growth. This word communicates clear steps toward improvement and gives a sense of achievement and progress.

I upgraded my computer to the latest version.
She upgraded her skills with new training.
They upgraded the hotel rooms for guests.
We upgraded our website design.
He upgraded his phone to a better model.
The team upgraded the project to meet standards.

Strengthen

“Strengthen” is about making something stronger or more solid. You use it when development improves durability, power, or ability. Strengthen connects to develop because growing or improving usually involves building stronger skills, systems, or relationships. Using strengthen gives a feeling of protection, support, and improvement. It is perfect when you want to show that development adds resilience and reliability, making something better and more capable.

Exercise strengthens your muscles.
She strengthened her knowledge with practice.
The company strengthened its security measures.
We strengthened our friendship over time.
He strengthened the foundation of the building.
They strengthened their argument with evidence.

Refine

“Refine” is about making small improvements to reach perfection. You use it when development focuses on polishing, adjusting, or improving details. Refine relates to develop because creating something often needs careful finishing touches. Using refine shows care, attention, and sophistication. It works well for skills, work, ideas, or processes. This word gives a sense of elegance and precision, making development feel thoughtful and deliberate.

She refined her painting with tiny details.
We refined our plan before the presentation.
He refined his speech for better clarity.
They refined the recipe to make it tastier.
I refined my drawing technique with practice.
The team refined their product design.

Produce

“Produce” is about creating or bringing something into being. You use it when development results in something tangible or noticeable. Produce relates to develop because developing often ends with a visible outcome. Using produce emphasizes results and output. It works for art, goods, content, or ideas. This word makes sentences feel active and result-focused, showing that development leads to creation and accomplishment.

The farm produces fresh vegetables every season.
She produced a short film for school.
We produced a report for the meeting.
He produced a solution to the problem.
They produced new designs for the collection.
I produced a list of tasks to complete.

Construct

“Construct” emphasizes careful building or creation. You use it when development involves planning, effort, and structure. Construct relates to develop because building something often requires organization and careful steps. Using construct makes your writing feel organized and strong. It works well for physical structures, ideas, or projects. This word highlights effort, skill, and methodical progress, showing development as a deliberate and creative process.

They constructed a new bridge in the city.
She constructed a model for her class project.
We constructed a schedule for the event.
He constructed a plan to save money.
The company constructed a new strategy.
I constructed a simple robot for fun.

Generate

“Generate” is about producing or causing something to exist. You use it when development creates energy, ideas, or results. Generate relates to develop because development often results in something new. Using generate gives a sense of action, creation, and impact. It is perfect for ideas, income, results, or excitement. This word shows that development is not just growth but also active creation that produces tangible effects.

The solar panels generate electricity.
She generated new ideas for the project.
We generated interest in our event.
He generated a list of possible solutions.
They generated more sales with a campaign.
I generated excitement for the upcoming trip.

Shape

“Shape” focuses on forming or influencing something. You use it when development guides how ideas, skills, or plans grow. Shape relates to develop because development often involves influence, direction, and molding. Using shape emphasizes control and design in growth. It works well for personal growth, skills, and projects. This word makes development feel active, intentional, and creative, showing that what you develop can be guided into a strong, purposeful form.

The teacher shaped the students’ learning path.
She shaped her ideas into a clear plan.
They shaped the team to work together better.
He shaped his skills with practice and patience.
We shaped the project to fit our vision.
The coach shaped the players’ strategy carefully.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect word instead of always using “develop.” Using these synonyms makes your writing richer and more exciting. Each word shows growth, creation, or improvement in a slightly different way. Choosing the right one can make your ideas feel clear, strong, and interesting. By trying these words, you can make your sentences more dynamic and enjoyable for your readers while keeping your writing simple and easy to understand.