verb
to make something wider, or to become wider from side to side
The city widened the road.
The path widens near the lake.
Common phrases & grammar
widen a road · widen a doorway · widen a path
widen + something
something + widen
American English
How to pronounce widen
verbB1
WAIddn
/ˈwaɪ.ɾn̩/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
to make something wider, or to become wider from side to side
What to listen for
“Widen” is pronounced /ˈwaɪ.ɾn̩/. The middle sound /ɾ/ is a very quick tap, so it may sound like a fast “d” or “t.”
Meanings & examples
verb
to make a range, difference, or number larger, or to become larger in this way
The new policy widened access to health care.
The gap between rich and poor is widening.
Common phrases & grammar
widen the gap · widen access · widen your search
widen + the gap between A and B
widen + your search
Useful expressions
to make the difference between two people or groups larger
The decision widened the gap between the two sides.
to learn about new ideas, places, or experiences
Travel can widen your horizons.