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extend

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

Definition of extend

transitive verb

1 : to spread or stretch forth : unbend extended both her arms
2a : 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) : adulterate

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
4a : to make the offer of : proffer extending aid to the needy extending their greetings
b : to make available extending credit to customers
5a : 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
6a : 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 consciousness— Algernon 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
Other Words from extend Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about extend

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Other Words from extend

extendability \ ik-​ËŒsten-​dÉ™-​ˈbi-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce extendability (audio) \ noun
extendable or less commonly extendible \ ik-​ˈsten-​dÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce extendible (audio) \ adjective

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Make sure that your DVRs don’t stop recording at the usual time, as the trailer also reveals that the premiere will be extended by several minutes. — Dan Snierson, EW.com, "This Is Us releases first trailer for season 4, with loads of new faces," 31 Aug. 2019 Each protection order stands for a year but can be extended indefinitely. — oregonlive, "An ex-Marine said he’d ‘slaughter’ antifa. The FBI, using Oregon’s new red flag law, took his guns away," 30 Aug. 2019 It may be extended for up to a period of 22 months and 15 days by another four-fifths vote from the council, according to California government code. — Sara Cardine, La Cañada Valley Sun, "La Cañada City Council issues temporary ban on electronic message signs," 28 Aug. 2019 Crews made progress over the weekend on containing more of two wildfires burning in the Willow area, and a state agency officially extended Alaska’s wildfire season a month longer than usual. — Annie Zak, Anchorage Daily News, "Wildfire updates: Crews increase containment near Willow; residents allowed back to their properties," 26 Aug. 2019 The studio part of it has been extended, with high, vaulted ceilings and a skylight. — Calvin Tomkins, The New Yorker, "Vija Celmins’s Surface Matters," 26 Aug. 2019 Solomon says there’s live music on Thursdays and extended happy hour specials on Fridays. — Phillip Valys, sun-sentinel.com, "Flagler Village: New bars, restaurants invade funky Fort Lauderdale village," 23 Aug. 2019 They are also extended to appease other spirits: lost souls that have led sinful or greedy lives. — 1843, "Vietnam’s ghosts are hungry for iPhones," 22 Aug. 2019 And state private school tuition vouchers, which were extended to suburban kids in the last few years, will also cover part of the costs. — Patrick O'donnell, cleveland.com, "St. Ignatius opens new Welsh Academy middle school in push toward inclusion," 17 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extend.' 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 extend

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

History and Etymology for extend

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French estendre, from Latin extendere, from ex- + tendere to stretch — more at thin

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