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

Despite pressure to reduce deficits—with proposals to target budget shortfalls at 3% of GDP rather than the current 6% to 7%—the CBO expects the gap between revenues and expenditures to widen over the next decade. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026

That extra width can be very helpful in music, too, widening the soundstage and giving each instrument more room in the mix. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026

To carry the cabinet through, Ghera widened an existing opening between the two rooms. — Nicole Gates Anderson, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2026

Another step in bringing the DVF consumer back and widening its reach comes through the brand’s return to wholesale after taking the business back in-house from its Chinese licensee and distributor Glamel in February 2025. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026