Synonyms

extend

American

[ik-stend] / ɪkˈstɛnd /

verb (used with object)

to stretch out; draw out to the full length.

He extended the measuring tape as far as it would go.

Antonyms:

contract, shorten
to stretch, draw, or arrange in a given direction, or so as to reach a particular point, as a cord, wall, or line of troops.
to stretch forth or hold out, as the arm or hand.

to extend one's hand in greeting.
to place at full length, especially horizontally, as the body or limbs.
to increase the length or duration of; lengthen; prolong.

to extend a visit.

Synonyms:

continue
to stretch out in various or all directions; expand; spread out in area.

A huge tent was extended over the field.

Synonyms:

dilate, widen, enlarge
to enlarge the scope of, or make more comprehensive, as operations, influence, or meaning.

The European powers extended their authority in Asia.
to provide as an offer or grant; offer; grant; give.

to extend aid to needy scholars.

Synonyms:

impart, bestow
Finance. to postpone (the payment of a debt) beyond the time originally agreed upon.
to increase the bulk or volume of, especially by adding an inexpensive or plentiful substance.
Bookkeeping. to transfer (figures) from one column to another.
Law.
1. British. to assess or value.
2. to make a seizure or levy upon, as land, by a writ of extent.
Manège. to bring (a horse) into an extended attitude.
to exert (oneself ) to an unusual degree.
Archaic. to exaggerate.
Obsolete. to take by seizure.

verb (used without object)

to be or become extended; stretch out in length, duration, or in various or all directions.
to reach, as to a particular point.
to increase in length, area, scope, etc.
Manège. (of a horse) to come into an extended attitude.

extend British

/ ɪkˈstɛnd /

verb

to draw out or be drawn out; stretch
to last for a certain time

his schooling extended for three years
(intr) to reach a certain point in time or distance

the land extends five miles
(intr) to exist or occur

the trees extended throughout the area
(tr) to increase (a building, etc) in size or area; add to or enlarge
(tr) to broaden the meaning or scope of

the law was extended
(tr) to put forth, present, or offer

to extend greetings
to stretch forth (an arm, etc)
(tr) to lay out (a body) at full length
(tr) to strain or exert (a person or animal) to the maximum
(tr) to prolong (the time originally set) for payment of (a debt or loan), completion of (a task), etc
(tr) accounting
1. to carry forward
2. to calculate the amount of (a total, balance, etc)
(tr) law (formerly in England) to value or assess (land)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See lengthen.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of extend

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English extenden, from Latin extendere “to stretch out.” See ex- ¹, tend ¹

Explanation

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.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The results indicate that targeted metabolic interventions may help preserve cellular function and extend the period of healthy aging.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026

As the law stands in England and Wales, authorities can only close a shop for three months, with an option to extend closure to six months using anti-social behaviour legislation.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Technology stocks in the U.S. looked set to extend Tuesday’s losses after artificial intelligence-linked companies fell in Asia trade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Futures tracking the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index, which tends to trade in tandem with Bitcoin, were 1.4% lower on Wednesday, putting the gauge on track to extend a recent slump.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

After a moment’s hesitation, I extend my hand, just a bit.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023