Synonyms for

Widen

Verb / ˈwaɪdʌn / Another word for widen — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To make something wider or broader.

Synonyms & similar words

narrow takein broaden letout extend expand broaden enlarge extend stretch spread dilate increase amplify inflate grow augment develop evolve progress advance unfurl

Synonyms by register

Formal

broaden expand extend enlarge

Informal

open up stretch out

Literary

dilate unfurl

Antonyms

narrow shrink contract close constrict tighten

Common collocations

  • widen the gap
  • widen the scope
  • widen the road
  • widen the eyes
  • widen the search
  • widen the debate
  • widen the range

Word family

noun width
verb widen
adjective wide
adverb widely

Usage note

While 'widen' can be used for physical spaces, it is also commonly used metaphorically, such as 'widen the gap' or 'widen the scope'.

Example sentences

  1. I need to widen the road so that two cars can pass each other.
  2. The construction workers are using the bulldozer to widen the sidewalk.
  3. The river began to widen as it approached the ocean.
  4. She used a stretching machine to widen her shoes.
  5. They had to widen the gap in the fence to let the cow through.

Quotes

  • The world is wide, and I will not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum.
  • The only way to widen your perspective is to step outside of your comfort zone.
  • The purpose of life is to widen your horizons as much as possible.

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