broaden

verb

broad·​en ˈbrȯ-dᵊn How to pronounce broaden (audio)
broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ How to pronounce broaden (audio)
ˈbrȯ-dᵊn-iŋ

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The third pillar of changing perception and broadening our customer reach — Brandon is certainly well respected within the fashion industry and even with customers. Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025 The researchers say future studies will explore direct causation, dig into the biological reasons behind it and broaden the findings across diverse populations. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025 All are interested, too, in bringing influencers on board as actors or creatives to broaden their appeal. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025 United said the agreement builds on its commitment to broadening its partnership ecosystem for customers. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for broaden

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of broaden was in 1864

Cite this Entry

“Broaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broaden. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

broaden

verb
broad·​en ˈbrȯd-ᵊn How to pronounce broaden (audio)
broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ How to pronounce broaden (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become broad or broader
broaden your horizons

More from Merriam-Webster on broaden

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