widen

[ wahyd-n ]

See synonyms for widen on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with or without object)

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

Origin of widen

First recorded in 1600–10; wide + -en¹

Other words from widen

wid·en·er, noun
re·wid·en, verb
un·wid·ened, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use widen in a sentence

But if the rift with Iran widens, it could become a shadow enemy in Syria as the U.S. begins its war there.
How Iran Could Become Our Shadow Enemy in the Syria ISIS War | Jacob Siegel | September 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
President Barack Obama has threatened tougher sanctions if Russia widens its military presence in Ukraine.
Mapped: Where Russia Stashes Its Cash | CNBC | March 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The disparity widens when it comes to the matter of contraception.
Why Do Rich Women Have Better Sex Lives? | Emily Shire | January 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Yet arguably, if Israel advances to an agreement, the possibility of assembling an international coalition against Iran widens.
A Very Israeli Linkage: Iran's Nuclear Bomb and Peace With Palestine | Nadav Eyal | September 10, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Thus the gender gap widens—and the moderate makeover unravels.
Robert Shrum: Why Obama Will Win | Robert Shrum | October 26, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

As observation widens and grows finer, the first bald representation becomes fuller and more life-like.
Children's Ways | James Sully
Various seeming difficulties have been explained away, and it is quite possible that all may disappear as investigation widens.
Man And His Ancestor | Charles Morris
As he widens his outlook he will find that a number of illustrative instances force themselves upon his view.
Comparative Religion | J. Estlin Carpenter
These immaturities will be found to disappear, as his sphere widens and his responsibilities increase.
The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2) | A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan
To the women who live in the country the circle widens naturally and beautifully.
Girls and Women | Harriet E. Paine (AKA E. Chester}

British Dictionary definitions for widen

widen

/ (ˈwaɪdən) /

verb

to make or become wide or wider

Derived forms of widen

widener, noun

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

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