extend
Other forms: extended; extending; extends
The verb extend can have several related meanings, including thrust out, continue, broaden, expand, unfold, span, or increase in scope.
Extend, as a verb, is used in many ways. You extend (hold out) your hand when you offer to shake. You extend (push forward) a deadline when you add a few days to it. Your belly might extend (broaden) after a holiday dinner. A telescope extends (expands) your range of vision. If the list of definitions for extend were infinite, you could extend (add to) that list forever and ever. But your patience might not extend that far.
Definitions of extend
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stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope; run or extend between two points or beyond a certain point“My memory extends back to my fourth year of life”“The facts extend beyond a consideration of her personal assets”
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span an interval of distance, space or time“The war extended over five years”“My land extends over the hills on the horizon”
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cover
hold within range of an aimed firearm
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types:
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cross, span, sweep, traverse
to cover or extend over an area or time period
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sweep
cover the entire range of
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overlap
extend over and cover a part of
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overspread, spread
spread across or over
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ridge
extend in ridges
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constellate, dot, stud
scatter or intersperse like dots or studs
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rake
sweep the length of
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imbricate
overlap
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transgress
spread over land, especially along a subsiding shoreline
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type of:
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be
occupy a certain position or area; be somewhere
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cover
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extend in scope or range or area“The law was extended to all citizens”“Extend your backyard”
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expand
expand the influence of
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types:
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broaden
make broader
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territorialise, territorialize
extend by adding territory
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globalise, globalize
make world-wide in scope or application
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stretch
extend the scope or meaning of; often unduly
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type of:
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increase
make bigger or more
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expand
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continue or extend
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expand the influence of
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lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
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prolong the time allowed for payment of
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reach outward in space
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thrust or extend out“extend a hand”
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synonyms:
exsert, hold out, put out, stretch forth, stretch out
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types:
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hyperextend
extend a joint beyond its normal range
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type of:
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gesticulate, gesture, motion
show, express, or direct through movement
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hyperextend
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extend one's limbs or muscles, or the entire body“Extend your right arm above your head”
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synonyms:
stretch
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types:
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spread-eagle
stretch out completely
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crane, stretch out
stretch (the neck) so as to see better
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spread-eagle
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open or straighten out; unbend“Can we extend the legs of this dining table?”
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Synonyms:
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stretch, stretch out, unfold
extend or stretch out to a greater or the full length
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type of:
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straighten, straighten out
make straight
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stretch, stretch out, unfold
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extend or stretch out to a greater or the full length“extend the TV antenna”
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synonyms:
stretch, stretch out, unfold
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type of:
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change form, change shape, deform
assume a different shape or form
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change form, change shape, deform
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make available; provide
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offer verbally
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use to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity“He really extended himself when he climbed Kilimanjaro”
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synonyms:
strain
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types:
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overextend, overstrain
strain excessively
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task, tax
use to the limit
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overextend, overstrain
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cause to move at full gallop
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increase in quantity or bulk by adding a cheaper substance
Pronunciation
US
/ɛkˈstɛnd/
UK
/ɛksˈtɛnd/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘extend'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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