Search Dictionary
Definition of expend

expend

/ɪkˈspɛnd/
ex · pend
Adjective:expendable
•
Past Simple:expended
•
Past Participle:expended
•
Present Participle:expending
JUMP TO:

expend Lexical Profile

expend Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To spend or use up (especially money, time, energy, or other resources) in the pursuit of a particular objective.

Example

"The research team had to expend considerable time and funding before achieving a breakthrough."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for expend
Antonyms
View all antonyms for expend

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'expend' (to spend or use up resources or energy) with 'expand' (to grow larger or become more extensive).

• Rhymes for expend

• Nearby Words

expeditious
expeditiously
expel
expend
expendability
expendable
expendably

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'expendere', meaning 'to weigh out money' or 'to pay down', formed from 'ex-' (out) and 'pendere' (to hang or weigh, as Roman payments were originally measured by weighing out metal).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Expend. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/expend
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.