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

Some states have started to broaden these rules to allow candidates to use campaign funds for other dependent care, too, like elder care. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 1 July 2026

It was broadened in most areas to 60 feet wide and renamed the Pennsylvania Road. — Salena Zito, Washington Post, 1 July 2026

The findings suggest affluent Americans are broadening their search. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 June 2026

Contemporary collectors, private equity executives furnishing country houses, and even artists such as David Hockney and Jeff Koons have all helped broaden interest in the field. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at intransitive 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