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broaden

verb

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

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 memo also indicates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may expand the review to include individuals admitted before 2021, potentially broadening the scope further. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 Now, Elon Musk’s company has broadened its vision, aiming for a more extensive Nashville tunnel network. Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Dec. 2025 And, their use cases are broadening. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025 But its over-all attempt to broaden the economic lens is commendable. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 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 5 Dec. 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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