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

The subpoenas were served last week, according to the records, and show the broadening scope of the DOJ’s efforts to pressure California officials ahead of the midterm election. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

The candidates said books and music have informed their political philosophies, broadened their worldviews, and carried them through gnarly moments on and off the campaign trail. — Lucy Gellman, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

Tokenization could now create new opportunities to broaden access to that ownership. — Julian La Picque, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

The new arts center is also helping the district broaden its cultural horizons, according to Maria Macias, whose Mexican folklore dancing classes will benefit from it. — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 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