expanded; expanding; expands
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
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
Synonyms
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
Vice mayor Belal Aftab and councilmember Chuck Page, both members of the ad hoc committee on economic vitality, were in favor of advancing a pilot outdoor dining program that would allow Hero Ranch Kitchen restaurant to expand its outdoor dining with logistical support from city staff.
—
Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Marrero’s plan relies heavily on using new or expanded enrollment zones, or boundaries that include multiple schools families can choose from rather than a single neighborhood school.
—Jessica Seaman, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
An expanding black circle marks the spread of polar night in the Arctic in this animation of images acquired by the NOAA-20 satellite between Sept. 4 and Nov. 7.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
There’s also more room for Wallen to grow outside of the U.S. as country’s global footprint continues to expand.
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expand 
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Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Marrero’s plan relies heavily on using new or expanded enrollment zones, or boundaries that include multiple schools families can choose from rather than a single neighborhood school.
—Jessica Seaman, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
An expanding black circle marks the spread of polar night in the Arctic in this animation of images acquired by the NOAA-20 satellite between Sept. 4 and Nov. 7.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
There’s also more room for Wallen to grow outside of the U.S. as country’s global footprint continues to expand.
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expand
Dictionary Entries Near expand
Cite this Entry
“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
expander
noun
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