expand

verb

ex·​pand ik-ˈspand How to pronounce expand (audio)
expanded; expanding; expands
Synonyms of expandnext

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 How to pronounce expand (audio)
noun
expandable
ik-ˈspan-də-bəl How to pronounce expand (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

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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.
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.
In this slice-of-life portrait, Chen shows how childhood experiences can shape someone, illustrating how a childhood passion might expand their horizons without necessarily becoming a lifelong vocation. — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025 The potential is immense: Businesses can expand into new markets without facing financial roadblocks, while individuals can access their money without bureaucratic delays. — Marc Sacal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The Chiefs have already expanded in the TV space with last year’s Hallmark Channel film Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story; and with the online claymation short A Kingdom Christmas Story: Hail Merry. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025 Under his stewardship, Le Bon Marché underwent a significant renovation, expanding its floor area by 43,000 square feet. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 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

Phrases Containing expand

Rhymes for expand

See All Rhymes for expand

Browse Nearby Words

exp
expand
expanded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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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
-ˈspan-də-bəl How to pronounce expand (audio)
adjective
expander noun

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