Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for widen. Search instead for widmend.
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.

“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

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

Lawyers representing the women are calling for the trust to widen the scope of reviews and go back further.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

A reduction in Fed holdings of mortgage-market securities could widen the gap between short-term rates and the mortgage rates home buyers pay, raising borrowing costs even if the Fed cuts its benchmark rate.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

His eyes widen slightly, and he looks straight ahead once more.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.