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

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

As Israel expanded its offensive operations over the past months, Gaza’s population — civilians, Hamas militants and hostages alike — have been driven into an ever-smaller space in the southern part of the enclave, where aid organizations have described an increasingly dire situation. —Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024

Modi’s supporters point to his economic record: India is poised to become a 21st-century powerhouse as its economy rapidly expands. —Helen Regan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, commonly known as CVG, announced Friday that the U.S.-based airline will be adding a nonstop service to Nashville International Airport while also expanding service to Orlando International Airport, according to a news release. —Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 12 Apr. 2024

Forty states have expanded Medicaid to cover everyone with an income under 138% of the federal poverty rate, or $31,200 for a family of four this year. —Phil Galewitz, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2024

The chain even expanded to England, Mexico, Canada and Japan. —Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 12 Apr. 2024

That pressure on China expanded Thursday when Mr. Biden hosted the leaders of Japan and the Philippines at the White House, marking the first-ever trilateral summit between the countries. —Olivia Wang, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

By the end of the decade, its population surpassed the 1 million milestone, and its geographical footprint expanded by over 50 square miles. —Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 1 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