widen (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈwaɪ.dən/

Definition

To become or make something broader or larger in distance or scope.

Examples

• The company plans to widen its product range next year.

• The river widens considerably before it reaches the sea.

• They had to widen the road to accommodate more traffic.

How to Use widen

widen to (prepositional phrase)

To increase in width to a specific measurement or point. — "The canal was widened to allow larger ships to pass through."

widen into (prepositional phrase)

To become broader or larger, developing into something else. — "The narrow path widened into a large clearing."

Synonyms of widen

Words with a similar meaning to widen:

• broaden
• expand
• enlarge
• stretch

Antonyms of widen

Words with the opposite meaning to widen:

• narrow
• contract

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