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

Your 9th House of Higher Learning is empowered by Luna’s entry into Capricorn, encouraging you to make plans that broaden your view. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026

Finally, for those looking to broaden their streaming options, DirecTV’s signature packages (Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate and Premier) and its MyEntertainment Genre Pack also include both Hulu and Disney+, and offer a five-day free trial. —Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026

Stein and other Wall Street analysts are also looking forward to the company speaking on its emerging and broadened AI portfolio, which includes models and businesses. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026

Shift Meal is a way to broaden and organize those deals, Newman said. —Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 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