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

Farhad Vladi, founder of Vladi Private Islands and one of the world's most experienced private-island brokers, has seen the market broaden beyond the traditional stereotype of oligarchs and billionaires. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Commercial launch services are already standard for most NASA and DOD missions, but the memorandum broadens that approach to transportation after reaching orbit, including spacecraft servicing and logistics. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026

That has broadened Walmart’s customer base and the retailer has begun capturing a larger share of wealthier Americans. — Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

The trend is down and the stock is broadening out, forming a topping formation that has this technician very concerned. — Jay Woods, CNBC, 20 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