pads out
Stretches with fluff
Pads out means to extend something by adding material that doesn't contribute much substance—filling space rather than adding value.
A writer pads out an essay with unnecessary examples to meet a word count.
A speaker pads out a presentation with tangents.
The article was padded out with quotes from unnamed sources.
The implication is usually that the padding is filler, not genuine content.
- inflatesFills with gas
- puffs upSwells or inflates
- embellishesAdds decorative elements
- fills inReplaces temporarily
- elaboratesAdds detail and complexity
cushions · bolsters · extends · fills · stretches · drags on · insulates · amplifies · beefs up · bulks up · stuffs · upholsters · broadens · exaggerates · lengthens · expands · reinforces · enriches
conciseness/efficiency
pads outtightens
Makes less loose
streamlines · distills · concentrates · tightens up · economizes