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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025 On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 May 2025 Further Implications of Enhanced Software Integration Ultra expands driver and passenger connectivity alike, too. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Founded in 2011, Signature, led by founder and CEO Marc Goldberg, has become a key independent distributor in the U.K. and has expanded into production and international sales. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for expand

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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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