broaden

verb

broad·​en ˈbrȯ-dᵊn 

broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ 

ˈbrȯ-dᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make broader

intransitive verb

: to become broad

Examples of broaden in a Sentence

They need to broaden their understanding of other cultures.

The police have broadened the scope of the investigation.

Her smile broadened when I told her the good news.

The investigation has broadened to include the mayor's staff.

His interests broadened to include art and music, not just sports.

Recent Examples on the Web

With a broadening customer base clamoring for Nvidia’s latest AI accelerators and competitors still distant, bulls are betting the chipmaker’s shares have plenty of room to run. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025

By the June meeting, their desire became to broaden the scope and make a local effort a more encompassing one across the state. —Alan Kozeluh, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

The English language is fluid in that new words are coined each year and sometimes definitions are broadened to meet the changes in society. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025

Focus is on affordability, broadening Democratic base. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing broaden

• broaden one's horizons/mind

Rhymes for broaden

• codon
• sodden
• trodden
• woden
• anticodon
• downtrodden
• gliadin
• untrodden
• prekindergarten

Kids Definition

broaden

verb

broad·​en ˈbrȯd-ᵊn 

broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become broad or broader

broaden your horizons