Definitions

widen

[wahyd-n] / ˈwaɪd n /

VERB

open up

Synonyms

STRONGEST

add to broaden enlarge expand extend grow increase multiply stretch swell

STRONG

augment dilate distend open ream spread unfold

WEAK

grow larger open out open wide spread out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abridge compress concentrate condense contract curtail decrease diminish lessen lower reduce shorten shrink

STRONG

block close conceal hide

WEAK

cramp narrow restrict

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.

“There’s a widening gap between what people have versus what they need,” Roberts said.

From MarketWatch

The drug is also used in infants to treat pulmonary hypertension due to its ability to widen blood vessels.

From Science Daily

But parents are eyeing a widening array of costs competing for their savings.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as the scope of data collection has widened, so too have concerns around how such information might be used.

From BBC

That gap has widened over time, reflecting growing obligations that aren’t matched by increasing revenue.

From Barron's