expand

verb

ex·pand ik-ˈspand

expanded; expanding; expands

Synonyms of expand next

transitive verb

: to open up : unfold

: to increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of : enlarge

: to express at length or in greater detail

: to write out in full

expand all abbreviations

: to subject to mathematical expansion

expand a function in a power series

intransitive verb

: to open out : spread

: to increase in extent, number, volume, or scope

: to speak or write fully or in detail

expanded on the theme

: to feel generous or optimistic

expandability

ik-ˌspan-də-ˈbi-lə-tē

noun

expandable

ik-ˈspan-də-bəl

adjective

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

Example Sentences

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.” See More

Recent Examples on the Web Ten blank flatscreen TVs surround the bar and dining area that’s closed until Gov. Abbott allows restaurants to expand to 100% capacity. —

Amanda Albee, Dallas News, 6 July 2020 The satellite-radio giant is working to expand into the rapidly growing podcasting industry, following similar moves by media and tech companies including Spotify Technology SA and iHeartMedia Inc. Stitcher... —

Anne Steele, WSJ, 6 July 2020 In June, the company launched Intrepid Local, featuring itineraries 75 multi-day tours in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, with plans to expand to North America. —

Sebastian Modak, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 July 2020 An appeals court ruling rolled back measures to expand voting, including reinstating a measure limiting early voting to two weeks, but the court objected to a rule requiring college students to provide proof of enrollment when using student ID. —

Rachel Glickhouse, ProPublica, 3 July 2020 Crave has continued to sell new franchises in its effort to expand the brand, which was envisioned by the founders as sustainable, fun and inviting. —

Katherine Feser, Houston Chronicle, 1 July 2020 On Monday, Citi wrote that the selloff implied the list of advertisers joining the boycott in July would expand by 19-fold, or that the marketers would permanently halt their spending. —

Ryan Vlastelica, Bloomberg.com, 30 June 2020 Coty plans to expand the brand into more countries around the world and explore other beauty categories, like skin creams and shampoos. —

CBS News, 29 June 2020 Even assuming that every infection mentioned by Redfield creates lasting immunity—which isn’t necessarily the case—exposure to the virus would need to expand tenfold in most parts of the U.S. to establish herd immunity. —

Nsikan Akpan, National Geographic, 26 June 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.