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

As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

The understanding of the phrase has broadened over the years to include taking responsibility for the outcome of tough decisions. — Will Weissert, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Personal income tax will become an increasingly important source of fiscal revenue, as Beijing broadens the tax base to capture wealthier individuals and offshore wealth, while enforcement improves, said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

However, the law avoids explicit mention of colonialism, effectively broadening its scope. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 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