instance vs expand

instance is a noun but expand is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
instance	Yes	No	Yes	No
expand	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, expand is a hypernym of instance; that is, expand is a word with a broader meaning than instance:

instance: clarify by giving an example of
expand: add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing

Other hypernyms of instance include dilate, elaborate, enlarge, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, lucubrate.

instance (noun)	expand (noun)
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
an occurrence of something

instance (verb)	expand (verb)
clarify by giving an example of	grow vigorously
	exaggerate or make bigger
	become larger in size or volume or quantity
	expand the influence of
	make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity
	add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing
	extend in one or more directions