widen

verb

wid·​en ˈwī-dᵊn How to pronounce widen (audio)
widened; widening ˈwīd-niŋ How to pronounce widen (audio)
ˈwī-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of widennext

transitive verb

: to increase the width, scope, or extent of
widen a road
widen an investigation

intransitive verb

: to become wide or wider
a widening gap
widener
ˈwīd-nər How to pronounce widen (audio)
ˈwī-dᵊn-ər
noun

Examples of widen in a Sentence

The city is going to widen the road. They plan to widen the investigation. Her eyes widened in surprise. They went swimming at a spot where the river widens. The scope of the investigation has widened.
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.
Manufacturers are also widening their customer bases. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2026 The distance between what gets decided and what gets done will keep widening. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 With the new headquarters, Chan explained, Bonhams hope to widen their base of collectors through their larger exhibition space and programming around how to start or improve a collection across art, jewelry, antiquities, wine and other collectibles. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026 Saudi Arabia is widening its search for capital, turning to some of the kingdom’s wealthiest families as the government looks to ease pressure on public finances and fund the next phase of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic overhaul. Christine Burke, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widen

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of widen was in 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Widen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widen. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

widen

verb
wid·​en ˈwīd-ᵊn How to pronounce widen (audio)
widened; widening ˈwīd-niŋ How to pronounce widen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become wide or wider : broaden

More from Merriam-Webster on widen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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