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.
Dell said Thursday that its server unit had gotten a massive boost from widening AI adoption, challenging analysts’ assessment that demand for the business was already reflected in the stock price. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 29 May 2026 The state is scheduled to choose a contractor and begin widening a chronically congested stretch of Williamson Road near Lake Norman this fall, a Mooresville official told the town Board of Commissioners this week. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026 In an era shaped by social media, widening inequality, and constant exposure to other people’s relationships, wealth, and success, jealousy has become one of the defining but least honestly discussed emotions of adulthood. Meehika Barua, Time, 29 May 2026 Channel your strong will into a brave share, like posting a thoughtful piece that widens your view. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 29 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Widen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widen. Accessed 1 Jun. 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

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