expand

To become bigger in size or cover a wider area.

• The balloon expanded as it filled with air.
• Our business is expanding quickly.
• Metal expands when it gets hot.

How to use it: expand into something (The company hopes to expand into new markets.)

Similar words: grow, increase

Opposites: shrink, contract

Common phrases: expand rapidly, expand into something, expand overseas

To increase the amount, range, or reach of something.

• Reading can expand your vocabulary.
• The hospital has expanded its services.
• We plan to expand production next year.

Similar words: increase, extend, broaden

Opposites: reduce, narrow

Common phrases: expand a business, expand your vocabulary, expand the range

To make something physically bigger, or open it out so it covers more space.

• Click here to expand the image.
• We expanded the table to seat eight people.
• Can you expand this window to fill the screen?

Similar words: enlarge, extend

Opposites: shrink, reduce

Common phrases: expand an image, expand the window, expand something fully