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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.

“There’s a real risk artificial intelligence could widen wealth inequality,” BlackRock BLK -0.10%decrease; red down pointing triangle Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink wrote in his annual shareholder letter in March.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

That bench decided to widen the ambit of the hearings and include in the review a number of similar cases from other faiths.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

“You can’t go to stocks, you can’t go to bonds, even credit spreads have started to widen out.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 29, 2026

It let its tongue loll out and its nostrils widen.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell