widen
5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for widen, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To become wider.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use widen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From wide + the verb-forming suffix -en.
Full origin of widen →Frequently asked questions
What does “widen” mean?
The word “widen” means to become wider. In plain terms, to make or become wider, either physically or in scope.
How do you pronounce “widen”?
“Widen” is pronounced WYDN (/ˈwaɪdn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “widen” in a sentence?
Here is “widen” used in a sentence: “Her eyes widened in surprise.”
What is another word for “widen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “widen” include breadthen, broaden, enwiden, thicken and widthen.
What is the opposite of “widen”?
The opposite of “widen” — its antonyms — are lengthen, shorten and straiten.
What part of speech is “widen”?
“Widen” is a verb.
Is “widen” a common word?
“Widen” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “widen” have?
“Widen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to become wider.