Synonyms of widen

widen

verb

as in to broaden

to increase the width, breadth, or scope of

Immediate action to widen the highway is needed to ease the near constant congestion.

The authorities planned to widen their investigation into Ponzi scheme.

Related Words

• broaden
• expand
• intensify
• extend
• strengthen
• enhance
• consolidate
• reinforce
• enlarge
• lengthen
• augment
• elongate
• deepen
• add (to)
• stretch
• enforce
• amplify
• heighten
• sharpen
• swell
• redouble
• maximize
• emphasize
• step up
• accentuate
• point (up)
• magnify
• supplement
• build up
• boost
• beef (up)
• stress
• amp (up)
• restrengthen

Dissimilar Words

• narrow (down)
• reduce
• constrict
• decrease
• diminish
• tone (down)
• weaken
• lessen
• subdue
• let up (on)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of widen

Washington — The world’s largest economy lost steam heading into summer as red-hot demand for AI infrastructure widened the trade deficit, dampening growth. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Bazilfoto | Istock | Getty Images Oil prices fell Thursday, despite escalating fighting in the Middle East and widening attacks on regional energy infrastructure. — Spencer Kimball,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 30 July 2026

More evacuations ordered in France Gironde authorities ordered 4,000 more people out of tourist sites along the Atlantic coast on Tuesday, widening what may be France’s largest peacetime evacuation. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Gironde authorities ordered 4,000 more people out of tourist sites along the Atlantic coast on Tuesday, widening what may be France's largest peacetime evacuation. — CBS News, 29 July 2026