The antonyms for "be contracted" include "expand," "extend," "stretch," "widen," "dilate," "grow," "inflate," "broaden," "enlarge," and "prolong." These words imply an increase in size, volume, or length, which is the opposite of contracting. When something is contracted, it becomes smaller, narrower, or tighter. For example, when muscles contract, they become shorter and tougher, while when businesses contract, they reduce their operations and workforce. The opposite of contraction, expansion, can be desirable in many contexts, such as economic growth, territorial expansion, or creative ideas. In language, using antonyms help us to express ourselves more precisely and diversify our vocabulary.