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

Russian missiles and drones are hitting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure harder and earlier in the year than in previous years, analysts say, and the Kremlin has broadened its targets to further damage the Ukrainian economy. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026

The Yellow Vests emerged in 2018 in opposition to fuel-tax increases, before broadening into a movement protesting high living costs and the policies of President Emmanuel Macron. — Jack Sommers, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026

Agencies should use disaggregated, intersectional data to identify barriers, set measurable goals and report progress; broaden recruitment, improve onboarding, promote civil-service exams, and create clearer paths for professional growth. — Aldrin Rafael Bonilla, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026

For policymakers, business leaders and economists, the ask is to broaden the definition of a healthy small-business economy beyond output and revenue. — Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Fortune, 7 Nov. 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