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.
Technical sheets and certification data The release of ElectroFlex broadens the technical work at SolarWindow, which previously focused on liquid coatings that turn building window glass into power-generating surfaces. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 The willingness to spend on Nvidia's products has broadened beyond the hyperscalers . — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 The administration has broadened its Treasury sanctions on the Islamic regime while also increasing pressure on Iran’s business partners. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026 At Texas State University, which recently joined the Pac-12, Aramark is supporting enhancements designed to broaden both the Bobcat fan experience and student-athlete performance. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on broaden

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for broaden

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