as in to broaden
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 widen
As the structural gap widens, the range of responsible options narrows.
—
Jason Gallion, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Hospital costs are among the major forces driving Americans deeper into debt and widening the inequality gap.
—Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
The plan will require the stadium comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, widening the aisles and adding handrails — presumably forcing a seating reduction in the stadium’s lower bowl.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
And, third, if the public likes outdoor dining (and who doesn’t), widening the sidewalks would be far better than building structures in the street.
—Lucius J. Riccio, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for widen
Jason Gallion, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Hospital costs are among the major forces driving Americans deeper into debt and widening the inequality gap.
—Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
The plan will require the stadium comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, widening the aisles and adding handrails — presumably forcing a seating reduction in the stadium’s lower bowl.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
And, third, if the public likes outdoor dining (and who doesn’t), widening the sidewalks would be far better than building structures in the street.
—Lucius J. Riccio, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for widen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widen
Verb
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DeSantis has also pushed for measures to broaden the scope of the death penalty beyond murder.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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Early exposure to international influences also broadened his perspective and sparked curiosity about global audiences.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With the 2026 midterms approaching, sustained voter unease could reshape the broader electoral map and complicate Republican efforts to hold or expand their congressional margins.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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But the department is looking to expand its authority.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The backlash intensified because of timing.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Most importantly, the legislation intensified punishments for those with prior convictions, with the worst offenders looking at a first-degree felony with up to 30 years imprisonment.—
Sean M. Cleary,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Widen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widen. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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