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.
Supporters say the tax is necessary to address widening wealth inequality and argue California’s economy is strong enough to retain most of its 216 billionaires. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2026 America is preparing the next generation for a future defined by chronic disease, mental health challenges and widening health inequities. Jordan Schriver, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 That is a loss, on paper, in the optimistic scenario, and if the number of visitors falls short, the gap only widens. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 June 2026 At the same time, the broader Iranian public grew more estranged from the state, a gap that widened significantly after the brutal crackdown on the January protests. Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Widen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widen. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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

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