broaden

verb

broad·​en ˈbrȯ-dᵊn How to pronounce broaden (audio)
broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ How to pronounce broaden (audio)
ˈbrȯ-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of broadennext

transitive verb

: to make broader

intransitive verb

: to become broad

Examples of broaden in a Sentence

They need to broaden their understanding of other cultures. The police have broadened the scope of the investigation. Her smile broadened when I told her the good news. The investigation has broadened to include the mayor's staff. His interests broadened to include art and music, not just sports.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hostilities began as a month-long student movement over school conditions and teacher shortages in working-class suburbs before broadening into a larger protest movement against inequality, public spending cuts and the rising cost of living. — Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 The safe and predictable format and approach to creativity that was needed to broaden appeal to advertisers. — William Daddi, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Add us as a Google Preferred Source With plans to open more retail locations, venture into international markets and broaden its product offerings, Coniglio Palm Beach is poised for further growth. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 The torture accusations substantially broaden the case, bringing allegations of political persecution and abuse in Venezuelan detention facilities into a prosecution initially centered on international drug trafficking. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broaden

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of broaden was in 1864

Phrases Containing broaden

Rhymes for broaden

See All Rhymes for broaden

Browse Nearby Words

broad command pennant
broaden
broaden one's horizons/mind
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broaden. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

broaden

verb
broad·​en ˈbrȯd-ᵊn How to pronounce broaden (audio)
broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ How to pronounce broaden (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become broad or broader
broaden your horizons

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