broaden

verb

broad·​en ˈbrȯ-dᵊn How to pronounce broaden (audio)
broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ How to pronounce broaden (audio)
ˈbrȯ-dᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to become broad

Examples of broaden in a Sentence

They need to broaden their understanding of other cultures. The police have broadened the scope of the investigation. Her smile broadened when I told her the good news. The investigation has broadened to include the mayor's staff. His interests broadened to include art and music, not just sports.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As she’s become more entrenched in the fashion world, Jenner’s interest in fashion history broadened, as well as her wardrobe. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2024 The move aims to broaden the pool of eligible men as Ukraine grapples with manpower shortages in its nearly three-year conflict with Russia. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 Kurtz said the company is also seeing its customer base broaden thanks to Flex. Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024 This can broaden your influence and increase effectiveness without needing to start from the ground up. Charles E. Owubah, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for broaden 

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of broaden was in 1727

Cite this Entry

“Broaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broaden. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

broaden

verb
broad·​en ˈbrȯd-ᵊn How to pronounce broaden (audio)
broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ How to pronounce broaden (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become broad or broader
broaden your horizons
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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