widen

American  

[wahyd-n] / ˈwaɪd n /

verb (used with or without object)

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

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widen British  

/ ˈwaɪdən /

verb

1. to make or become wide or wider

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Other Word Forms

• rewiden verb
• unwidened adjective
• widener noun

Etymology

Origin of widen

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

Example Sentences

She recently spoke to Kara Miller, host of the podcast “It Turns Out,” about how the American tax system has changed over the past 40 years, widening inequality.

From Salon

The economy grew at its fastest pace in two years in the third quarter, far exceeding expectations and highlighting the widening gap between strong output and a cooling labor market.

From Barron's

The economy grew at its fastest pace in two years in the third quarter, far exceeding expectations and highlighting the widening gap between strong output and a cooling labor market.

From Barron's

These figures generate a puzzle: As the number of college-educated women exceeds that of college-educated men by a widening margin, one would predict a downward trend in marriage for these women.

From The Wall Street Journal

These are textbook conditions for a widening trade deficit.

From Barron's

Related Words

• add to
• broaden
• enlarge
• expand
• extend
• grow
• increase
• multiply
• stretch
• swell