broaden

verb

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

transitive verb

: to make broader

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.
Higher oil prices and a broadening sell-off that hit many market sectors dragged the three major averages to losses on Friday. — Ananya Chetia,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026 The Senate hopeful is looking to Obama in shoring up support for the traditionally Democratic demographic and broaden el Sayed’s coalition 10 days out from the midterm elections. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026 In addition to the two blue-state questions, a measure in Arizona would broaden an existing ban to include private schools, and one in Nebraska would add an existing state law to the state constitution. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Hanwha Power said the approval strengthens its capabilities in fully electric vessel design and broadens its marine propulsion portfolio. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broaden

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of broaden was in 1864

Phrases Containing broaden

Rhymes for broaden

See All Rhymes for broaden

Browse Nearby Words

broad command pennant
broaden
broaden one's horizons/mind
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broaden. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

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