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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.

If the limits were frozen in place for 20 or 30 years, which is among the suggestions, inflation would slowly widen the pool.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

When Newsbeat mentions Manchester's Co-op Live's capacity is 23,500, Ware's eyes widen.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Will the gap between value and growth continue to widen?

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The technical reason is that, as the stock rallies, those that made bets that prices would fall — known as short positions — could be forced to cover those positions as losses widen.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Her eyes widen, taking in whom I am standing with.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black