widen

verb

wid·​en ˈwī-dᵊn How to pronounce widen (audio)
widened; widening ˈwīd-niŋ How to pronounce widen (audio)
ˈwī-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of widen

transitive verb

: to increase the width, scope, or extent of
widen a road
widen an investigation

intransitive verb

: to become wide or wider
a widening gap
widener
ˈwīd-nər How to pronounce widen (audio)
ˈwī-dᵊn-ər
noun

Examples of widen in a Sentence

The city is going to widen the road. They plan to widen the investigation. Her eyes widened in surprise. They went swimming at a spot where the river widens. The scope of the investigation has widened.
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.
That gap is widening, and the metrics reporting up the chain are not detecting it. — Kevin Cushnie, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Those trips have widened his worldview and sharpened his sense of responsibility. — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 The study also found AI growth at its current pace could further widen the wealth gap between Black and white households. — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 The inclusion of a child-care plan reflects the widening appeal of free, universal options for parents seeking care for young children. — Simone Foxman, Fortune, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for widen

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of widen was in 1566

Rhymes for widen

See All Rhymes for widen

Browse Nearby Words

wide-mouthed
widen
widener
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Widen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widen. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

widen

verb
wid·​en ˈwīd-ᵊn How to pronounce widen (audio)
widened; widening ˈwīd-niŋ How to pronounce widen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become wide or wider : broaden

More from Merriam-Webster on widen

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for widen

Nglish: Translation of widen for Spanish Speakers

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