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 The utility also is seeking to expand its trimming and tree removal area from within 10 feet of power lines to 25 feet to protect against dead trees that can be more than 40 feet tall. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2024 With artists empowered technologically more than ever, their capacity to expand their sonic products is almost endless. Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024 After the first game was released in 2000, the suburban setting of the franchise was expanded, via sequel and expansion packs, to include an almost never-ending array of settings and tones such as vacations, show business, dating, high school life, even magic and vampires. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024 There have been 38 national champions crowned since the tournament expanded in 1985. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 The Texas law was passed last year as part of Abbott’s push to expand the state’s role in immigration enforcement by busing migrants to northern cities, mobilizing thousands of National Guard troops and lining the banks of the Rio Grande with barriers and razor wire. Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 What’s the biggest challenge OVG faces in its efforts to expand internationally? Dave Brooks, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2024 State lawmakers introduced a bill in January that would expand oversight of Mississippi law enforcement, allowing the state board that certifies officers to investigate and revoke the licenses of officers accused of misconduct, regardless of whether they are criminally charged. Brian Howey, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 Altria expanded its ownership of AB InBev in October 2016, a month after AB InBev announced the $103 billion takeover of SABMiller. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Mar. 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 28 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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