expand verb ex· pand ik-ˈspand expanded; expanding; expands Synonyms of expand transitive verb intransitive verb Simple Definition 1 : to open up : UNFOLD 2 : to increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of : ENLARGE They expanded the business to serve a larger area. 3 a : to express at length or in greater detail b : to write out in full c : to subject to mathematical expansion expand all abbreviations expand a function in a power series 1 : to open out : SPREAD The universe is expanding. 2 : to increase in extent, number, volume, or scope an expanding population 3 : to speak or write fully or in detail used with on or upon expanded on the theme 4 : to feel generous or optimistic Top Lookups W O R D O F T H E D A Y 1 existential 2 happy 3 enigma 4 culture 5 didactic 6 pedantic 7 love Take our 3 question quiz on expand Definition Synonyms Synonym Chooser Example Sentences Word History Phrases Containing Rhymes Entr expand EXPAND Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand 1/7

Relevance develop supplement 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). AMPLIFY implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate. SWELL implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits. DISTEND implies outward extension caused by pressure from within. INFLATE implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

DILATE applies especially to expansion of circumference. expandability ik-ˌspan-də-ˈbi-lə-tē noun expandable ik-ˈspan-də-bəl adjective Synonyms of expand See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus a business that expands every year amplify the statement with details the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions a distended abdomen an inflated ego dilated pupils cavalcade See

Definitions and Examples » Get Word of the Day daily email! S U B S C R I B EYour email add Definition Synonyms Synonym Chooser Example Sentences Word History Phrases Containing Rhymes Entr EXPAND Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand 2/7

Recent Examples on the Web Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More See All Example Sentences for expand Etymology Middle English expaunden , from Latin expandere , from ex- + 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.

Ulbrich envisions Walker expanding his leadership role on the defense as well with Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata no longer in the building. Josh Kendall, New York Times, 16 June 2026 The backstory What started as a private project, owned by former TAP Air pilot Gonçalo Pessoa and wife Patrícia Trigo, has expanded over the years to become arguably the most talked about resort in Portugal. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026 An Egyptian Film Week marks the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations, while the festival continues to expand its Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance.

Marcus Lim, Variety, 15 June 2026 The adviser said investigators expanded their probe as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche took the helm of the Justice Department. Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 15 June 2026 Word History See More Definition Synonyms Synonym Chooser Example Sentences Word History Phrases Containing Rhymes Entr EXPAND Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand 3/7

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 See more words from the same century expand on/ upon armband backhand bandstand baseband broadband command cropland demand disband dreamland farmhand farmland See All Rhymes for expand exp expand expandability See All Nearby Words Phrases Containing expand Rhymes for expand Browse Nearby Words Definition Synonyms Synonym Chooser Example Sentences Word History Phrases Containing Rhymes Entr EXPAND Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand 4/7

Style MLA expand verb ex· pand ik-ˈspand Cite this Entry “Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webste r, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Ac cessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation Kids Definition 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 More from Merriam-Webster on expand Definition Synonyms Synonym Chooser Example Sentences Word History Phrases Containing Rhymes Entr EXPAND Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand 5/7

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'? 5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes Is it 'nerve- racking' or 'nerve- wracking'? The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.' Democracy or Republic: What's the difference? One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More 8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times Cattywampus, Taradiddle, and More Funny- Sounding Words Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are) 12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World Nglish: Translation of expand for Spanish Speakers Last Updated: 16 Jun 2026 - Updated example sentences Love words? Need even more

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