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
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
But eight weeks in, the mass deportation effort has rapidly expanded to include immigrants whose application for legal status in the country is under review.
—
Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
Its leaders are looking for ways to expand by reaching out to a changing community.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Boasberg then scheduled the afternoon hearing on whether to expand his order to all people who could be targeted under Trump's declaration.
—arkansasonline.com, 16 Mar. 2025
The film, which expanded to top markets including LA, Boston, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Seattle and Phoenix, was still the highest-grossing pic at several top theaters including the Somerville Theatre and the Avalon Theatre in DC.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expand
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
Its leaders are looking for ways to expand by reaching out to a changing community.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Boasberg then scheduled the afternoon hearing on whether to expand his order to all people who could be targeted under Trump's declaration.
—arkansasonline.com, 16 Mar. 2025
The film, which expanded to top markets including LA, Boston, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Seattle and Phoenix, was still the highest-grossing pic at several top theaters including the Somerville Theatre and the Avalon Theatre in DC.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expand
Cite this Entry
“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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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