WIDENS Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

widens

verb

present tense third-person singular of widen

as in broadens

to increase the width, breadth, or scope of Immediate action to widen the highway is needed to ease the near constant congestion. The authorities planned to widen their investigation into Ponzi scheme.

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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.

Recent Examples of widens In Capital in the Twenty-First Century, the French economist Thomas Piketty showed how wealth perpetuates across generations and widens the divide between those who own capital and everyone else. — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Every clinical breakthrough has cost implications, accelerates the pace of change and widens the gap between what is scientifically possible and what is practical for clinicians delivering care. — Brad Kreick, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Rather than concentrating solely on those responsible, Terzić widens the circle to the classmates who were silent bystanders who never intervened. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The gap widens further when looking at China's countryside, which only officially emerged from extreme poverty in 2020. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 By evening, the Moon enters Sagittarius and your perspective widens fast. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026 Chesney widens his lead for the most Country Airplay leaders over Blake Shelton, the runner-up with 30. — Russ Penuell, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026 That dramatically widens the pool of households for whom these upgrades are realistic. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 Some city leaders say the department's overspending widens the overall budget gap the city is trying to bridge, which falls on taxpayers. — Ashley Grams, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for widens

Verb

The name Platform6 refers to the sixth art — performing arts — and the acquisition of Without Production broadens its offer, adding fashion shows to its expertise.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
The agreement broadens co-production to film, TV and video works regardless of length or genre and allows producers from third countries to participate.

— Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of broadens

Verb

Even without their local ties, Gash are a shoe-in at Eaux Claires, the Wisconsin music festival founded by Justin Vernon that expands on the experimental curiosity and unhurried approach at the heart of Bon Iver’s latter career.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
The presentation comes as Netflix separately expands its AI ambitions, including its acquisition of Ben Affleck’s filmmaking technology company InterPositive.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of expands

Verb

Forest and land fires in Indonesia have worsened this year as El Niño intensifies a prolonged dry season.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
The warning was downgraded late Sunday night to an advisory, meaning residents should still be on high alert in the event that activity intensifies again.

— Austin Turner, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensifies

Browse Nearby Words

widening

widens

wide-ranging

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“Widens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widens. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of widens

verb

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