broaden

verb

broad·​en ˈbrȯ-dᵊn How to pronounce broaden (audio)
broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ How to pronounce broaden (audio)
ˈbrȯ-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of broadennext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For those looking to broaden their driving horizons beyond our country’s borders, a recent report by eCarsTrade that ranks the most Instagrammed road trips worldwide might provide some fresh inspiration. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 Moreover, the Army is preparing in the coming weeks to broaden that requirement to troops deploying overseas, first responders, child care workers, health care personnel, prison staff and soldiers taking part in certain large-scale training exercises, according to a service spokesperson. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 23 June 2026 The latest expansion significantly broadens the city's public connectivity footprint and comes as Atlanta continues hosting an influx of visitors for the World Cup. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 23 June 2026 But even as his social circle broadened, there was perhaps no one more influential on Greenspan than Ayn Rand. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for broaden

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of broaden was in 1864

Cite this Entry

“Broaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broaden. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

broaden

verb
broad·​en ˈbrȯd-ᵊn How to pronounce broaden (audio)
broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ How to pronounce broaden (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become broad or broader
broaden your horizons

More from Merriam-Webster on broaden

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster