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 agency’s authority to investigate stems from Senate Bill 553, which was amended to broaden the scope of employers, including law enforcement agencies, to maintain workplace violence prevention plans. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026

Wider horizons beckon as the emotional Moon lights up your 9th House of Adventure, stirring a desire to broaden your view through meaningful study and conversation. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026

With that local chain declaring bankruptcy, the Elia folks jumped at the opportunity to broaden their reach to the South Bay. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

Telehealth can also broaden the number of doctors who are ready to prescribe PrEP. —Zach Dyer, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 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