ex·tend | \ ik-ˈstend 
\
\extended; extending; extends
Definition of extend
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]
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
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
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Other Words from extend
extendability \ ik-ˌsten-də-ˈbi-lə-tē \ noun
\ nounextendable or less commonly extendible \ ik-ˈsten-də-bəl \ adjective
\ adjective
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 In fact, their running backs gained 30 yards on 15 carries, and that included a big four-yard loss when Pittsburgh went for it on a final fourth-and-one rather than attempt a field goal to extend its lead to eight.
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Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas News, "Questionable penalties against Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith derail inspired outing for Cowboys' defense vs. Steelers," 8 Nov. 2020 Nick McCloud recovered and the Irish wound up with a 45-yard field goal to extend their lead to two touchdowns.
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Shannon Ryan, chicagotribune.com, "6 takeaways from Notre Dame’s double overtime, upset win over Clemson — the Irish’s 1st win over a No. 1 team in 27 years," 8 Nov. 2020 Gray grabbed a Hoosier receiver for no discernible reason on a key third-quarter third down, extending Indiana's drive; a few plays later, the Hoosiers scored to extend their lead to 17.
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Orion Sang, USA TODAY, "Wheels come off for No. 25 Michigan in loss at No. 13 Indiana," 7 Nov. 2020 Gray grabbed a Hoosier receiver for no discernible reason on a key third-quarter third down, extending Indiana's drive; a few plays later, the Hoosiers scored to extend their lead to 17.
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Orion Sang, Detroit Free Press, "Wheels come off for Michigan football in blowout loss at Indiana, 38-21," 7 Nov. 2020 In the second quarter, junior running back Markel King bounced out to the right side and rushed for a 12-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 10-0.
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Alex Kushel, sun-sentinel.com, "Park Vista High football cruises to victory over Santaluces," 6 Nov. 2020 On another scoring drive, Hamilton's other top senior RB Rodney Clemente came in and scored his first rushing TD at the 1 to extend the Huskies’ lead at the 6-minute mark, putting more pressure on Highland, 40-26.
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Dana Scott, The Arizona Republic, "Hamilton trounces Highland late in fourth quarter to stay unbeaten," 6 Nov. 2020 Lam finished things off for the Gaels, scoring a tough goal to extend the lead to 3-1.
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Kyle J. Andrews, baltimoresun.com, "Mount Saint Joseph soccer holds off Calvert Hall, 3-2," 4 Nov. 2020 The Seahawks extend their lead to 20-7 with 8:02 remaining.
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oregonlive, "Russell Wilson’s throws four TD passes as the Seattle Seahawks roll past the San Francisco 49ers: Live updates recap, score, stats and more," 2 Nov. 2020
See MoreThese 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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More Definitions for extend
extend
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of extend
: to cause (something, such as your arm or leg) to straighten out or to stretch out
: to become longer or to be able to become longer
: to continue in a specified direction or over a specified distance, space, or time
See the full definition for extend in the English Language Learners Dictionary
extend
verbex·tend | \ ik-ˈstend \
\extended; extending
Kids Definition of extend
1 : to hold out
extend a hand
2 : to stretch out or across something
There was no way of going around it, for it seemed to extend … as far as they could see …— L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz
3 : to make longer
extend a visit
4 : stretch entry 1 sense 2 extend a sail
5 : enlarge extend the meaning of a word
extend
transitive verbex·tend | \ ik-ˈstend \
\Medical Definition of extend
1 : to straighten out (as an arm or leg)
2 : to increase the quantity or bulk of (as by adding a cheaper substance or a modifier)
extending ground meat with cereal also : adulterate
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Time Traveler for extend
The first known use of extend was in the 14th century
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