extend

verb

ex·​tend ik-ˈstend How to pronounce extend (audio)
extended; extending; extends

transitive verb

1
: to spread or stretch forth : unbend
extended both her arms
2
a
: to stretch out to fullest length
b
: to cause (an animal, such as a horse) to move at full stride
c
: to exert (oneself) to full capacity
could work long and hard without seeming to extend himself
d(1)
: to increase the bulk of (as by adding a cheaper substance or a modifier)
(2)
3
[Middle English, from Medieval Latin extendere (from Latin) or Anglo-French estendre, from Old French]
a
British : to take possession of (something, such as land) by a writ of extent
b
obsolete : to take by force
4
a
: to make the offer of : proffer
extending aid to the needy
extending their greetings
b
: to make available
extending credit to customers
5
a
: to cause to reach (as in distance or scope)
national authority was extended over new territories
b
: to cause to be longer : prolong
extend the side of a triangle
extended their visit another day
also : to prolong the time of payment of
c
: advance, further
extending her potential through job training
6
a
: to cause to be of greater area or volume : enlarge
extended the patio to the back of the house
b
: to increase the scope, meaning, or application of : broaden
beauty, I suppose, opens the heart, extends the consciousnessAlgernon Blackwood
c
archaic : exaggerate

intransitive verb

1
: to stretch out in distance, space, or time : reach
their jurisdiction extended over the whole area
2
: to reach in scope or application
his concern extends beyond mere business to real service to his customers
extendability noun
extendable adjective
or less commonly extendible
Choose the Right Synonym for extend

extend, lengthen, prolong, protract mean to draw out or add to so as to increase in length.

extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range.

extend a vacation
extend welfare services
lengthen a skirt
lengthen the workweek

prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

Examples of extend in a Sentence

He extended a hand in greeting. sitting with both legs fully extended The table measures eight feet long when it is fully extended. The table extends to eight feet in length. The woods extend for miles to the west. Their knowledge of the family's history extends back to colonial times. Their influence extends well beyond their immediate circle of friends. His popularity extends from coast to coast.
Recent Examples on the Web That exemption would extend to 21st Century Parks Endowment, despite the group’s ownership of land set for development. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 25 Mar. 2024 Now, designer Mattias Gollin, in collaboration with Timberland Europe, has extended that with these angelic boots with Swarovski crystal adornments and, of course, pearls. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 25 Mar. 2024 At the top of Ryan Mountain, my son spun in joyful circles, arms extended, delighted by the vibrant show happening above. Maggie Downs, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024 The General Assembly also extended the digital sales tax to software purchased by businesses — not just consumers, as the governor had wanted — and applied the revenue to raises for teachers and state employees, K-12 schools and higher education, and government services. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024 Furthermore, the Human Gathering's 2024 focus extends to addressing the plight of homeless veterans. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2024 The tendrils, indeed, extend into a nation grappling with how police use force, especially against people of color and notably after the 2020 murder of Black father George Floyd by a White Minneapolis officer whose federal sentence was shorter than a few doled out this week in Jackson. Emma Tucker, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024 The lift station and sewer improvements project will extend sewer availability to undeveloped land on the west side of town and be a centralized sewage system, said Daniel Ellis, the city engineer. Campbell Roper, arkansasonline.com, 23 Mar. 2024 Nearly everyone who spoke advocated for more comprehensive support, including improving mental health services, extending hotel vouchers and providing basic necessities. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extend.' 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, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French estendre, from Latin extendere, from ex- + tendere to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extend was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near extend

Cite this Entry

“Extend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extend. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

extend

verb
ex·​tend ik-ˈstend How to pronounce extend (audio)
1
: to straighten out or stretch forth
extended both arms
2
a
: to offer to someone
extend an apology
b
: to make available
extend credit
3
a
: to stretch out : make longer
extend a visit
an extended metaphor
b
: to make larger
extend the meaning of a word
4
: to stretch out or reach across a distance, space, or time
the woods extend for miles to the west
the bridge extends across the river
extendable adjective
also extendible

Medical Definition

extend

transitive verb
ex·​tend ik-ˈstend How to pronounce extend (audio)
1
: to straighten out (as an arm or leg)
2
: to increase the quantity or bulk of (as by adding a cheaper substance or a modifier)
extending ground meat with cereal
also : adulterate

More from Merriam-Webster on extend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!