widen

verb

wid·​en ˈwī-dᵊn How to pronounce widen (audio)
widened; widening ˈwīd-niŋ How to pronounce widen (audio)
ˈwī-dᵊn-iŋ

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.
In 2024, the Latina pay gap widened for the first time in 20 years. Lyanne Alfaro, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 In other words, inflation is still above the Fed’s target of 2%, and the tariffs could widen that gap. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024 In September, Israel widened its airstrikes on Lebanon and sent in ground troops, killing most Hezbollah leaders and devastating the country. Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 Nov. 2024 This sense of security was imparted to widening circles of people, not just the comfortably off or advantageously born. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near widen

Cite this Entry

“Widen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widen. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on widen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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