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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.

The board decided to widen the scope to include any companies with cash equivalents on their balance sheet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The backwardation really began to form at the onset of the war in late February, continued to widen until April 2 and has since tightened a bit, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

The backwardation really began to form at the onset of the war in late February, continued to widen until April 2 and has since tightened a bit, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 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

In sharing my story, I hope to help create space for other stories and other voices, to widen the pathway for who belongs and why.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama