extend

American  

[ik-stend] / ɪkˈstɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to stretch out; draw out to the full length.

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

   Antonyms:

   contract, shorten

2. 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.

3. to stretch forth or hold out, as the arm or hand.

   to extend one's hand in greeting.

4. to place at full length, especially horizontally, as the body or limbs.

5. to increase the length or duration of; lengthen; prolong.

   to extend a visit.

   Synonyms:

   continue

6. 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

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

   The European powers extended their authority in Asia.

8. to provide as an offer or grant; offer; grant; give.

   to extend aid to needy scholars.

   Synonyms:

   impart, bestow

9. Finance. to postpone (the payment of a debt) beyond the time originally agreed upon.

10. to increase the bulk or volume of, especially by adding an inexpensive or plentiful substance.

11. Bookkeeping. to transfer (figures) from one column to another.

12. Law.

    1. British. to assess or value.

    2. to make a seizure or levy upon, as land, by a writ of extent.

13. Manège. to bring (a horse) into an extended attitude.

14. to exert (oneself ) to an unusual degree.

15. Archaic. to exaggerate.

16. Obsolete. to take by seizure.

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verb (used without object)

1. to be or become extended; stretch out in length, duration, or in various or all directions.

2. to reach, as to a particular point.

3. to increase in length, area, scope, etc.

4. Manège. (of a horse) to come into an extended attitude.

extend British  

/ ɪkˈstɛnd /

verb

1. to draw out or be drawn out; stretch

2. to last for a certain time

   his schooling extended for three years

3. (intr) to reach a certain point in time or distance

   the land extends five miles

4. (intr) to exist or occur

   the trees extended throughout the area

5. (tr) to increase (a building, etc) in size or area; add to or enlarge

6. (tr) to broaden the meaning or scope of

   the law was extended

7. (tr) to put forth, present, or offer

   to extend greetings

8. to stretch forth (an arm, etc)

9. (tr) to lay out (a body) at full length

10. (tr) to strain or exert (a person or animal) to the maximum

11. (tr) to prolong (the time originally set) for payment of (a debt or loan), completion of (a task), etc

12. (tr) accounting

    1. to carry forward

    2. to calculate the amount of (a total, balance, etc)

13. (tr) law (formerly in England) to value or assess (land)

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Related Words

See lengthen.

Other Word Forms

• extendability noun
• extendable adjective
• extendibility noun
• extendible adjective
• nonextendible adjective
• nonextendibleness noun
• preextend verb
• superextend verb
• unextendable adjective
• unextendible adjective

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.

Example Sentences

Private-credit providers extend financing to companies in relatively opaque transactions, and the practice has boomed over the past few years.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

That expectation could extend to car buying, especially as millennials continue to grow their families.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Howe has fond memories from his time at Bournemouth, but his former club will sense a huge opportunity to extend their unbeaten run when they visit St James' Park next week.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

The deal would have given Britain a 99-year lease of the base, with the option to extend.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Mr. Corcoran has asked me to write to Bunny’s friends at school and extend an invitation to spend the night before the funeral at his house.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• boost
• broaden
• continue
• develop
• enhance
• enlarge
• expand
• go on
• increase
• last
• lengthen
• open
• prolong
• spread
• stretch
• take
• widen