expand

verb

ex·​pand ik-ˈspand 

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

ik-ˌspan-də-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

expandable

ik-ˈspan-də-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• amplify
• develop
• dilate (on or upon)
• elaborate (on)
• enlarge (on or upon)
• flesh (out)

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

On Nordstrom $40 View On Sephora $40 Pros Blends very easily Plays nice with foundation Didn’t cling to dry patches Cons The powders could have more pigment The shade range could be expanded As far as blendability goes, Anastasia Beverly Hills takes the cake. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024

In 2022 and 2023, Biden issued and expanded a proclamation that pardoned those with convictions of simple possession of marijuana under federal law. —Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024

Trending on Billboard Warner Chappell Music and ICE have extended and expanded their multi-territory digital partnership. —Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2024

While the demo floor is small, the tiles can also be built out and expanded to any size. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2024

The company plans to use the proceeds to refinance recent acquisitions, fund the growth of its brands and expand its portfolio. —Clara Hernanz Lizarraga, Fortune Europe, 25 Apr. 2024

The Biden administration tried to bring costs down for carbon capture by expanding tax credits for the technologies in 2022. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 25 Apr. 2024

JetBlue has been steadily expanding service around the world including new routes to Dublin, Tulum, and Amsterdam. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2024

That was a huge set built on Paramount that expanded over the course of a stage-and-a-half. —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing expand

• expand on/upon

Kids Definition

expand

verb

ex·​pand ik-ˈspand 

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

-ˈspan-də-bəl 

adjective

expander noun