Synonyms

extend

American

[ik-stend] / ɪkˈstɛnd /

verb (used with object)

to stretch out; draw out to the full length.

He extended the measuring tape as far as it would go.

Antonyms:

contract, shorten
to stretch, draw, or arrange in a given direction, or so as to reach a particular point, as a cord, wall, or line of troops.
to stretch forth or hold out, as the arm or hand.

to extend one's hand in greeting.
to place at full length, especially horizontally, as the body or limbs.
to increase the length or duration of; lengthen; prolong.

to extend a visit.

Synonyms:

continue
to stretch out in various or all directions; expand; spread out in area.

A huge tent was extended over the field.

Synonyms:

dilate, widen, enlarge
to enlarge the scope of, or make more comprehensive, as operations, influence, or meaning.

The European powers extended their authority in Asia.
to provide as an offer or grant; offer; grant; give.

to extend aid to needy scholars.

Synonyms:

impart, bestow
Finance. to postpone (the payment of a debt) beyond the time originally agreed upon.
to increase the bulk or volume of, especially by adding an inexpensive or plentiful substance.
Bookkeeping. to transfer (figures) from one column to another.
Law.
1. British. to assess or value.
2. to make a seizure or levy upon, as land, by a writ of extent.
Manège. to bring (a horse) into an extended attitude.
to exert (oneself ) to an unusual degree.
Archaic. to exaggerate.
Obsolete. to take by seizure.

verb (used without object)

to be or become extended; stretch out in length, duration, or in various or all directions.
to reach, as to a particular point.
to increase in length, area, scope, etc.
Manège. (of a horse) to come into an extended attitude.

extend British

/ ɪkˈstɛnd /

verb

to draw out or be drawn out; stretch
to last for a certain time

his schooling extended for three years
(intr) to reach a certain point in time or distance

the land extends five miles
(intr) to exist or occur

the trees extended throughout the area
(tr) to increase (a building, etc) in size or area; add to or enlarge
(tr) to broaden the meaning or scope of

the law was extended
(tr) to put forth, present, or offer

to extend greetings
to stretch forth (an arm, etc)
(tr) to lay out (a body) at full length
(tr) to strain or exert (a person or animal) to the maximum
(tr) to prolong (the time originally set) for payment of (a debt or loan), completion of (a task), etc
(tr) accounting
1. to carry forward
2. to calculate the amount of (a total, balance, etc)
(tr) law (formerly in England) to value or assess (land)

"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

Synonym Usage

See lengthen.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of extend

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English extenden, from Latin extendere “to stretch out.” See ex- ¹, tend ¹

Explanation

The verb extend can have several related meanings, including thrust out, continue, broaden, expand, unfold, span, or increase in scope. Extend, as a verb, is used in many ways. You extend (hold out) your hand when you offer to shake. You extend (push forward) a deadline when you add a few days to it. Your belly might extend (broaden) after a holiday dinner. A telescope extends (expands) your range of vision. If the list of definitions for extend were infinite, you could extend (add to) that list forever and ever. But your patience might not extend that far.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

extend extends extended extending

“For the equity market, we believe the absence of a policy surprise may extend the weak market sentiment and a year-end rally is much less likely to happen,” he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

BBC Sport understands the ECB's policy does not extend to franchise tournaments, meaning players can decide for themselves whether to participate.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

The United Nations Security Council voted on Tuesday to extend by six months the work of the gang suppression force deployed to combat violent criminal syndicates ravaging Haiti.

From Barron's ● Sep. 29, 2026

The researchers now plan to extend their approach beyond the three photon demonstration.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 29, 2026

But how could Rome claim to be the seat of the one true Church if its authority could not extend to other solar systems?

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

The CGM extends roughly 10-20 times farther than the visible part of a galaxy.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 30, 2026

Pyongyang has previously asserted its border inside the DMZ extends further to the south, meaning its activities don’t fall on South Korean territory.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

“The CHP extends its deepest condolences to Officer Liles’ family, friends, loved ones, and all who served alongside him,” the police agency said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

For women working in food, though, that question of authorship extends beyond aesthetics.

From Salon ● Sep. 27, 2026

The officer extends his hand as if he and Dad could be friends.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

The top City Hall administrator said the city-LA28 contract already requires the Olympic organizing group provide extended coverage for any losses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Within minutes, Fury was offering to go for a pint with the Matchroom boss - and extended the invitation to Joshua.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

Ethel Mwedziwendira, 30, once envisioned an extended climb up the corporate ladder.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026

Oil prices extended recent declines on signs that Middle East crude exports are recovering toward prewar levels, despite the absence of clear progress in U.S.-Iran talks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

Then, just to be clear about her intentions, she extended her two hands, palms up, and added, “We come in peace.”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

These occurred within approximately 60 days of elevated temperatures extending beyond the MHW itself.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 30, 2026

He fixed his bat path, extending through the ball more consistently instead of pulling off of it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026

Harned noted that Starlink’s broadband subscriber base is expected to double in 2026, extending its streak to five years.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026

The new deal involved extending sanctions on some remaining 2,600 individuals and entities to three years.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

“He would have wanted you to have it,” he said, extending it again my way.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023