as in broadens
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 widens
That divide has grown especially raw lately, as the wealth gap widens and a populist backlash against billionaires has gathered force.
—
Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
As the structural gap widens, the range of responsible options narrows.
—Jason Gallion, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Women’s pain is consistently more likely to be undertreated than men’s — a gap that widens further for women of color.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
This $1,700 credit falls far short of covering tuition, transportation, and hidden costs, while this voucher program only widens equity gaps—especially for students with disabilities in underfunded public schools.
—Terell Bailey, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
The split widens when a labor strike becomes an armed revolt, with Jacir gamely tracking the hardening or shifting loyalties of both her peasant and well-to-do characters.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Women’s pain is consistently more likely to be undertreated than men’s, a gap that widens further for women of color.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
As Iran’s drone campaign widens, the debate is no longer just about the cost gap between missiles and drones, but about whether traditional air defenses can sustain a new era of mass, low-cost aerial warfare.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
The root flare —where the trunk widens at the base—should sit at or slightly above grade, or ground level.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026
Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
As the structural gap widens, the range of responsible options narrows.
—Jason Gallion, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Women’s pain is consistently more likely to be undertreated than men’s — a gap that widens further for women of color.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
This $1,700 credit falls far short of covering tuition, transportation, and hidden costs, while this voucher program only widens equity gaps—especially for students with disabilities in underfunded public schools.
—Terell Bailey, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
The split widens when a labor strike becomes an armed revolt, with Jacir gamely tracking the hardening or shifting loyalties of both her peasant and well-to-do characters.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Women’s pain is consistently more likely to be undertreated than men’s, a gap that widens further for women of color.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
As Iran’s drone campaign widens, the debate is no longer just about the cost gap between missiles and drones, but about whether traditional air defenses can sustain a new era of mass, low-cost aerial warfare.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
The root flare —where the trunk widens at the base—should sit at or slightly above grade, or ground level.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widens
Verb
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Beginning March 31, the agreement will expand the entertainment offering available to Disney+ customers while providing RTVE with a new distribution window that broadens the reach of its content, connecting with new, younger audiences across Spain.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
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FedEx said the service broadens its ability to support customers across the delivery chain, from long-haul transportation to local fulfillment.—
Abhinav Parmar,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When this idea is diluted, government expands its ambition to curate the public’s consciousness.—
George F. Will,
Washington Post,
3 Apr. 2026
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As artificial intelligence expands into classrooms, workplaces, and homes, a new coalition warns that risks to children and workers are growing faster than efforts to control the new technology.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Venus and Pluto’s clash intensifies a one-sided attraction.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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Researchers have long recognized that climate change intensifies heat waves.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Widens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widens. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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