Synonyms

widen

American

[wahyd-n] / ˈwaɪd n /

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become wide or wider; broaden; expand.

widen British

/ ˈwaɪdən /

verb

to make or become wide or wider

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

rewiden verb
unwidened adjective
widener noun

Etymology

Origin of widen

First recorded in 1600–10; wide + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, ING analysts say weakness in the European gas market has widened the difference between gas prices in Europe and Asia.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. government negotiated lower prices in the federal Medicare program for 15 high-selling medicines including Ozempic, widening an effort to rein in drug costs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The improved bottom line comes as the Chinese EV maker’s sales momentum is picking up, alleviating investors’ concerns about its path to profitability following four consecutive quarters of widening losses.

From The Wall Street Journal

Two-time Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is up against his term limit and unable to run again, widening the field of possible replacements.

From BBC

Any time I saw her eyes widen with understanding or her confidence lift with a spark of new knowledge, I’d beam with pride.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023