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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.

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

Word-of-mouth recommendations definitely help in this situation and you need to widen your network for that, which is why open conversations are so important.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The cells produced much less nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen, and more endothelin-1, which causes vessels to tighten.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

Yields on bonds of more indebted eurozone countries, such as Italy, France and Belgium, also rose by more than those of German Bund yields on Thursday, causing spreads to widen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The next spring the town council voted to widen the road on each side of the railroad tracks, which meant the Cold Sassy tree had to go.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns