expanded; expanding; expands
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
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
Synonyms
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
Her re-election sets Phoenix up to continue growing the burgeoning technology and health care industries, building sustainable infrastructure to combat climate change and expanding public transportation options.
—
Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
However, the plan builds on that foundation by strengthening and expanding community partnerships and coordinating routine meetings to monitor progress.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
Under President Biden, CISA’s scope expanded significantly to include responsibilities such as monitoring misinformation and addressing election interference.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The first two categories have expanded to include a total of 10 filmmakers each.
—Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expand 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
However, the plan builds on that foundation by strengthening and expanding community partnerships and coordinating routine meetings to monitor progress.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
Under President Biden, CISA’s scope expanded significantly to include responsibilities such as monitoring misinformation and addressing election interference.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The first two categories have expanded to include a total of 10 filmmakers each.
—Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expand
Dictionary Entries Near expand
Cite this Entry
“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
expander
noun
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