widen

verb

wid·​en ˈwī-dᵊn How to pronounce widen (audio)
widened; widening ˈwīd-niŋ How to pronounce widen (audio)
ˈwī-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of widennext

transitive verb

: to increase the width, scope, or extent of
widen a road
widen an investigation

intransitive verb

: to become wide or wider
a widening gap
widener
ˈwīd-nər How to pronounce widen (audio)
ˈwī-dᵊn-ər
noun

Examples of widen in a Sentence

The city is going to widen the road. They plan to widen the investigation. Her eyes widened in surprise. They went swimming at a spot where the river widens. The scope of the investigation has widened.
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.
Their rapid acceleration is widening the distance from the pack, offering a glimpse of what’s possible when AI evolves from a promising technology into a catalyst for long‑term, structural advantage. Tom Hood, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 Minnesota bans prediction markets Minnesota became the first US state to ban prediction markets, in a move that widens the row over the platforms. Semafor Events, semafor.com, 22 May 2026 The project, which began with foundation work in 2022 and expanded to roadway construction in 2023, includes replacing the deteriorating bridge deck, widening shoulders and adding carpool lanes in both directions. Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026 Simone Gibertoni, group CEO at Clinique La Prairie and cofounder of Holistic Health, noted that, meanwhile, the gap between lifespan and health span is widening. Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for widen

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of widen was in 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Widen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widen. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

widen

verb
wid·​en ˈwīd-ᵊn How to pronounce widen (audio)
widened; widening ˈwīd-niŋ How to pronounce widen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become wide or wider : broaden

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