expand

verb

ex·​pand ik-ˈspand 

expanded; expanding; expands

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 

noun

expandable

ik-ˈspan-də-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• amplify
• develop
• dilate (on or upon)
• elaborate (on)
• enlarge (on or upon)
• flesh (out)

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.

There are plans to expand the airport.

The police have decided to expand their investigation.

She plans to expand the lecture series into a book.

Expand the abbreviation “deg.” to “degree.”

Recent Examples on the Web

Vice mayor Belal Aftab and councilmember Chuck Page, both members of the ad hoc committee on economic vitality, were in favor of advancing a pilot outdoor dining program that would allow Hero Ranch Kitchen restaurant to expand its outdoor dining with logistical support from city staff. —Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

Marrero’s plan relies heavily on using new or expanded enrollment zones, or boundaries that include multiple schools families can choose from rather than a single neighborhood school. —Jessica Seaman, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024

An expanding black circle marks the spread of polar night in the Arctic in this animation of images acquired by the NOAA-20 satellite between Sept. 4 and Nov. 7. —Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024

There’s also more room for Wallen to grow outside of the U.S. as country’s global footprint continues to expand. —Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing expand

• expand on/upon

Kids Definition

expand

verb

ex·​pand ik-ˈspand 

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