B2verbsocietyurban
US/ˈwaɪ.dən/
UK/ˈwaɪ.dən/
to become wider, or to make something wider or larger in range
In context
The city plans to widen the main road to reduce traffic jams.
Her eyes widened when she saw the surprise on the table.
Travel can widen your view of the world and other cultures.
Words that go with widen
verb + noun
- widen the gapRising prices will widen the gap between rich and poor.
- widen the roadWorkers began to widen the road last week.
- widen your horizonsStudying abroad can widen your horizons.
- widen accessThe new law aims to widen access to education.
- widen the searchPolice decided to widen the search to nearby towns.
verb + preposition
- widen in surpriseHis eyes seemed to widen in surprise.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The government will widen the road to be wider.Correct: The government will widen the road.