expand
/ɪkˈspænd/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To increase in size, volume, or quantity, or to make something do this.
Metals expand when heated and contract when they cool down.
Did the balloon expand quickly after you blew warm air inside?
To grow larger or more extensive by adding new operations, locations, or services.
The company plans to expand its retail operations into three neighboring states.
Why hasn't the clinic expanded its daily hours to accommodate working parents?
To give more details or fuller information about something previously stated or written.
The author offered to expand on her thesis during the panel discussion.
Could you expand your explanation so the junior engineers understand the process?
How it's used
When this means “make something larger”
- expand the program
“expand it.”
The school will expand the program next fall.
When this means “grow into a new area”
- expand into the region
“expand there.”
The grocery chain wants to expand into the region soon.
Collocations
- expand rapidly
- expand capacity
- expand operations
- expand a business
- expand into a market
- expand a presence
- expand on an idea
- expand upon a point
Synonyms
- enlarge
- grow
- broaden
- elaborate
Antonyms
- contract
- shrink