as in broadening
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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Recent Examples of widening
Washington remains short of clear strategic gains, while a conflict once framed as limited is now dragging much of the world into a widening quagmire – with few, if any, coming out ahead.
—
Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
However, for Black and Brown homeowners, the financial gap to be able to live in New York is deeply widening.
—Jamie Smarr, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
China-Africa trade reached a record $348 billion in 2025, though China's exports to Africa increased by around 25% to $225 billion, while its imports from Africa increased by only around 5% to $123 billion, widening the trade deficit for Africa.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
China-Africa trade reached a record $348 billion in 2025, though China’s exports to Africa increased by around 25% to $225 billion, while its imports from Africa increased by only around 5% to $123 billion, widening the trade deficit for Africa.
—Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Plans for the project includes upgrades to strengthen the bridge against earthquakes, widening the bridge to meet ADA accessibility standards, improving pedestrian crossings and restoring historic elements.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 1 May 2026
Mexico arrests cartel leader amid widening gang crackdown Mexico’s military arrested a top cartel leader in a raid involving more than 500 troops, the country’s security minister announced on Monday, as President Claudia Sheinbaum intensifies her gang crackdown.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The race illustrated the widening gap between the Democratic establishment's preferred candidates and the party's next generation.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Lengthening the turning basin, and widening the channel bend near the East Breakwater from 560 feet to 800 feet.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
However, for Black and Brown homeowners, the financial gap to be able to live in New York is deeply widening.
—Jamie Smarr, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
China-Africa trade reached a record $348 billion in 2025, though China's exports to Africa increased by around 25% to $225 billion, while its imports from Africa increased by only around 5% to $123 billion, widening the trade deficit for Africa.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
China-Africa trade reached a record $348 billion in 2025, though China’s exports to Africa increased by around 25% to $225 billion, while its imports from Africa increased by only around 5% to $123 billion, widening the trade deficit for Africa.
—Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Plans for the project includes upgrades to strengthen the bridge against earthquakes, widening the bridge to meet ADA accessibility standards, improving pedestrian crossings and restoring historic elements.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 1 May 2026
Mexico arrests cartel leader amid widening gang crackdown Mexico’s military arrested a top cartel leader in a raid involving more than 500 troops, the country’s security minister announced on Monday, as President Claudia Sheinbaum intensifies her gang crackdown.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The race illustrated the widening gap between the Democratic establishment's preferred candidates and the party's next generation.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Lengthening the turning basin, and widening the channel bend near the East Breakwater from 560 feet to 800 feet.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widening
Verb
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Nobody on the Hill talks about broadening the base and lowering rates anymore.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
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Roy has been among the Republicans pushing to expand the reconciliation bill with additional reforms, but others have been wary about broadening its scope.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Southern Anoka County Assistance food shelf (SACA) is expanding to meet a growing need in Columbia Heights.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
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The store initially sold ice cream before expanding to chocolates in 1965.—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Once free of quota constraints, the Emirates can up its production by more than 40% to 5 million barrels per day, intensifying competition in markets where sub-Saharan Africa’s higher-cost producers are already vulnerable.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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The market value of media and entertainment stocks remains suppressed, however, amid intensifying competition from tech and streaming companies.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Widening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widening. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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