expand

verb

ex·​pand ik-ˈspand How to pronounce expand (audio)
expanded; expanding; expands

transitive verb

1
: to open up : unfold
2
: to increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of : enlarge
3
a
: to express at length or in greater detail
b
: to write out in full
expand all abbreviations
c
: to subject to mathematical expansion
expand a function in a power series

intransitive verb

1
: to open out : spread
2
: to increase in extent, number, volume, or scope
3
: to speak or write fully or in detail
expanded on the theme
4
: to feel generous or optimistic
expandability noun
expandable adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for expand

expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume.

expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Examples of expand in a Sentence

The liquid expands and contracts with changes in temperature. His business has expanded to serve the entire state. The coffee shop may expand into a full restaurant. He has expanded his business to serve the entire state. There are plans to expand the airport. The police have decided to expand their investigation. She plans to expand the lecture series into a book. Expand the abbreviation “deg.” to “degree.”
Recent Examples on the Web Saturday: Stormy weather eyes the East The wide-reaching storm will expand to much of the East by Saturday and unload another day of severe thunderstorms and flooding. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 In addition to providing traditional services like book and media checkouts and programming for children, teens and local seniors, the library has expanded over the years to meet the evolving needs of the community. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 As with Uvalde, some plans have lacked important details or become outdated as schools are renovated and expanded. David A. Lieb, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Plans for a new, multi-use 15,000-seat outdoor venue, which could be expanded to 25,000 and host non-soccer events, are in place and have local support from government officials. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 Now, Factory 52 developer PLK Communities is working to expand the mixed-use project with over $25 million worth of additional housing and retail space. The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 Recent subway incidents The additional state personnel expands on the already large police presence on subways. USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Companies announced plans to build or expand more than 155 factories in this country during the first half of the Biden administration, according to the Electric Power Research Institute, a research and development organization. Evan Halper, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Perez and Martinez reportedly expanded their family for a fourth time with another daughter in September 2023. Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English expaunden, from Latin expandere, from ex- + pandere to spread — more at fathom

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expand was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near expand

Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

expand

verb
ex·​pand ik-ˈspand How to pronounce expand (audio)
1
: to open wide : unfold
a bird with wings expanded
2
: to increase in size, number, or amount
substances expand when heated
the expanding universe
their work expanded
3
: to work out in greater detail
expand an argument
4
: to perform the indicated mathematical operations of : write out in full
expand both sides of an equation
expandable adjective
expander noun

More from Merriam-Webster on expand

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