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Definition of extend

extend

/ɪkˈstɛnd/
ex · tend

Adverb:extensively
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Adjective:extensive
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Past Simple:extended
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Past Participle:extended
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Present Participle:extending
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extend Lexical Profile

extend Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause to cover a wider area or make larger or longer in space or time.

Example

"The city council voted to extend the subway line into the northern suburbs."


2

To hold out or straighten a part of one's body at full length.

Example

"She smiled warmly and extended her hand to greet the new colleague."


3

To occupy or stretch over a specified distance, area, or period of time.

Example

"The mountain range extends for hundreds of miles along the western coast."


4

To offer or grant something, such as an invitation, hospitality, or credit.

Example

"The university would like to extend an invitation to all alumni for the upcoming symposium."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for extend

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English extenden, borrowed from Latin extendere ('to stretch out'), formed from ex- ('out') and tendere ('to stretch').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Extend. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/extend
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