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

Systems are patched, extended and modified in ways the documentation was never updated to reflect, and the gap widens invisibly until the consequences become impossible to contain. — Mohit Gupta, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Every House Republican voted against Massie’s amendment, while Democrats split nearly evenly on the measure, underscoring the widening partisan divide over Israel. — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026

The final photo turned the camera on the Norwegian skier, who clasped his soon-to-be bride’s hand while widening his eyes and pursing his lips. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

For the first time in this latest round of violence, strikes also reached into areas around Iran’s capital, Tehran, showing a widening set of targets for the Americans. — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026