broaden

verb

broad·​en ˈbrȯ-dᵊn 

broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ 

ˈbrȯ-dᵊn-iŋ

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

But critics of the system argue that the rise in disability and incapacity claimants owes more to broadening definitions of disability – and especially to an increase in people claiming benefits for mental health conditions. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026

However, if interest expense continues to outpace income growth while unemployment rises, real wages cool, and delinquencies broaden, the signal will turn from yellow to red. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Company executives note that this flexibility will help GM scale vehicle production more efficiently, broaden customer reach, and improve profit margins. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

On will also step into golf in 2027, broadening its horizons further. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing broaden

• broaden one's horizons/mind

Rhymes for broaden

• codon
• sodden
• trodden
• woden
• anticodon
• downtrodden
• gliadin
• untrodden
• prekindergarten

Kids Definition

broaden

verb

broad·​en ˈbrȯd-ᵊn 

broadened; broadening ˈbrȯd-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become broad or broader

broaden your horizons