WIDENED Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

widened

verb

past tense of widen

as in broadened

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.

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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.

Recent Examples of widened Evacuation orders widened at night, reaching the Somersett neighborhood and areas to the north. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 The additional ballots widened the slim lead Wahab held on election night. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 According to Triton, Comedy widened its lead as Personality-Driven Content reshaped the field. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The structure is not ADA-compliant, there are cracks in the walls, the doorways need to be widened, and the bathrooms are too small, Kwong told The Tribune. — Kaytlyn Leslie, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Wahab widened her lead over BART Board President Melissa Hernandez to 53% to 47% in the latest returns. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 The subsequent approval of Vybrique, an oral-film treatment for erectile dysfunction, widened the gap to 27 versus 2. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026 The gap between California and national diesel prices has widened over the period. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 The film’s scope widened, from an initial focus on Texas to a broader approach that included stories from Florida, Louisiana and New Jersey as well. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for widened

Verb

As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The understanding of the phrase has broadened over the years to include taking responsibility for the outcome of tough decisions.

— Will Weissert, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of broadened

Verb

The company also acquired a bank, expanded to tourism and even considered buying an airline.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Plans call for the addition of 9,000 more homes and expanded retail, including a supermarket and home improvement store, over the next two decades.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of expanded

Verb

That momentum intensified into 2026 before reversing sharply in recent weeks, leaving the four stocks roughly 20% to 40% below their late-June peaks.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
The competition has intensified over the past year as Netflix has stepped up its pursuit of YouTube’s most popular channels.

— Lucas Shaw, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensified

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widen

widened

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“Widened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widened. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of widened

verb

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