expand

[ ik-spand ]

See synonyms for: expand expanded expanding expandable on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to increase in extent, size, volume, scope, etc.: Heat expands most metals. He hopes to expand his company.
to spread or stretch out; unfold: A bird expands its wings.

to express in fuller form or greater detail; develop: to expand a short story into a novel.
Mathematics.
- to write (a mathematical expression) so as to show the products of its factors.: Compare factor (def. 10).
- to rewrite (a mathematical expression) as a sum, product, etc., of terms of a particular kind: to expand a function in a power series.

verb (used without object)

to increase or grow in extent, bulk, scope, etc.: Most metals expand with heat. The mind expands with experience.
to spread out; unfold; develop: The buds had not yet expanded.

to express something more fully or in greater detail (usually followed by on or upon): to expand on a statement.

Origin of expand

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English expanden, from Latin expandere “to spread out,” equivalent to ex- ex-¹ + pandere “to extend, stretch”

synonym study For expand

1. Expand, dilate, distend, inflate imply becoming larger and filling more space. To expand is to spread out, usually in every direction: to expand one's chest. To dilate is especially to increase the width or circumference, and applies to space enclosed within confines or to hollow bodies: to dilate the pupils of the eyes. To distend is to stretch, often beyond the point of natural expansion: to distend an artery. To inflate is to blow out or swell a hollow body with air or gas: to inflate a balloon.

Other words for expand

1	extend, swell, enlarge

See synonyms for expand on Thesaurus.com

Other words from expand

ex·pand·a·ble, ex·pand·i·ble, adjective
ex·pand·a·bil·i·ty, ex·pand·i·bil·i·ty, noun
non·ex·pand·ing, adjective
o·ver·ex·pand, verb
pre·ex·pand, verb (used with object)
re·ex·pand, verb
self-ex·pand·ing, adjective
su·per·ex·pand, verb
un·ex·pand·a·ble, adjective
un·ex·pand·ing, adjective

Words that may be confused with expand

expand , expend

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use expand in a sentence

Wish said that most of its vendors are in China, although it’s trying to expand its roster of local suppliers.
Online marketplace Wish files for initial public offering | Verne Kopytoff | November 20, 2020 | Fortune
As capacity expanded in later weeks, Kotz said, the university added 49 more nursing facilities.
Hogan’s first batch of coronavirus tests from South Korea were flawed, never used | Steve Thompson | November 20, 2020 | Washington Post
The research team is currently expanding on this research and beginning new research focused on partner violence, surgery delays and digital mental healthcare during the pandemic.
Global study finds pandemic exacerbates inequities for trans people | Kaela Roeder | November 20, 2020 | Washington Blade
Those training camps are expected to last two weeks, but teams that did not take part in the expanded 2020 postseason will get an extra week.
The NHL, facing more questions than answers, is still targeting a January start | Samantha Pell | November 19, 2020 | Washington Post
In response to the influx, York expanded its EL program and hired more teachers, including some who now help teach popular electives like auto mechanics.
Inside the Lives of Immigrant Teens Working Dangerous Night Shifts in Suburban Factories | by Melissa Sanchez | November 19, 2020 | ProPublica

The trooper reached with her right hand for her expandable baton.
The Muslim Convert Behind America’s First Workplace Beheading | Michael Daly | September 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for expand

expand

/ (ɪkˈspænd) /

verb

to make or become greater in extent, volume, size, or scope; increase
to spread out or be spread out; unfold; stretch out

(intr often foll by on) to enlarge or expatiate on (a story, topic, etc) in detail
(intr) to become increasingly relaxed, friendly, or talkative
maths to express (a function or expression) as the sum or product of terms

Origin of expand

C15: from Latin expandere to spread out, from pandere to spread, extend

Derived forms of expand

expandable, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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