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expand

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

Definition of expand

transitive verb

1 : to open up : unfold
2 : to increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of : enlarge
3a : 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
Other Words from expand Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about expand

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Other Words from expand

expandability \ ik-​ˌspan-​də-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce expandability (audio) \ noun
expandable \ ik-​ˈspan-​də-​bəl How to pronounce expandable (audio) \ 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.”
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Doug Needham, president of the Michigan Aggregates Association, says a state law is needed to limit the ability of local governments to prevent new sand and gravel mines from opening and existing ones from expanding. — Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, "Battle heating up over who decides whether you have a gravel pit in your backyard," 5 Sep. 2019 When the moist forest canopy becomes so dry, and the savannah spreads, that fires propagate and expand in a vicious circle? — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, "The Amazon is burning. The climate is changing. And we're doing nothing to stop it," 4 Sep. 2019 The Queen Anne-style house is in the Lavaca neighborhood but outside the Lavaca Historic District created in 2001 and expanded in 2002 and 2004. — Scott Huddleston, ExpressNews.com, "Commission answers San Antonio neighborhood’s plea to save 1909 Lavaca house," 4 Sep. 2019 That lack of familiarity — and the impact of mere exposure — is driving new and expanded efforts from Illinois schools to attract students from rural areas. — Dawn Rhodes, chicagotribune.com, "Illinois colleges ramp up pursuit of rural students: ‘Colleges need to understand more about rural areas — they are kind of in a bubble.’," 4 Sep. 2019 Plans include expanding into the empty storefront adjacent to the building, revitalizing the outdoor patio and adding live music options. — Daily Pilot, "The Plant commercial-residential project to take root in Costa Mesa after council gives OK," 4 Sep. 2019 Travalyst, as the organization is called, will seek to grow global conservation efforts and environmental protections, and expand local economic development in the communities that need it most. — Louis Cheslaw, Condé Nast Traveler, "Prince Harry's New Initiative Will Keep the Travel Industry Honest on Climate," 3 Sep. 2019 As the United States expanded its global reach, more citizens were traveling overseas. — Heather D. Curtis, The Conversation, "How American Christian media promoted charity abroad," 3 Sep. 2019 Growth150 stores also have added or expanded furniture and mattress departments and some have added the Backstage concept. — baltimoresun.com, "Macy’s in Towson, Columbia are among 100 targeted by national retailer for upgrades," 3 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'expand.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of expand

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

History and Etymology for expand

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

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More Definitions for expand

expand

verb
How to pronounce expand (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of expand

: to increase in size, range, or amount : to become bigger
: to cause (something) to increase in size, range, or amount : to make (something) bigger
: to write (something) in full form

See the full definition for expand in the English Language Learners Dictionary

expand

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

Kids Definition of expand

1 : to grow or increase in size, number, or amount The airport is expanding.
2 : to open wide : unfold The eagle's wings expanded.

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