widen crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! If you're stuck on the clue "widen," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you find the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "widen crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
EXPAND: To increase in size, amount, or importance; to open out or spread. Often a direct synonym for widen, especially when referring to space or scope.
EXTEND: To stretch out or enlarge in area, length, or scope; to broaden. Can be used for physical objects or abstract concepts like influence.
SPREAD: To open out or unfold so as to cover a larger area; to make wider or more dispersed. Often implies a flatter, broader coverage.
DILATE: To make or become wider, larger, or more open. Commonly used in medical contexts, like eyes or blood vessels, but applicable elsewhere.
7 Letters
BROADEN: To make or become wider; to increase the scope or extent of something. A very direct and common answer for 'widen'.
ENLARGE: To make or become larger or more extensive. While 'widen' focuses on breadth, 'enlarge' implies overall increase in size, but often includes widening.
More About "widen crossword clue"
"Widen" is a common verb in crossword puzzles, often requiring a synonym that describes an increase in breadth, scope, or area. The key to solving this clue lies in considering the context of the puzzle, including the number of letters required and any intersecting words. Clues might hint at physical expansion (like a road or a gap), or more abstract concepts (like one's horizons or knowledge).
Synonyms such as BROADEN, EXPAND, ENLARGE, EXTEND, SPREAD, and DILATE are frequently encountered. Each carries a slightly different nuance, but all generally fit the core meaning of making something less narrow. Pay attention to prepositions or adverbs in the clue, as they can sometimes guide you to the precise answer needed.
For example, if the clue is "Widen, as a road," BROADEN might be a strong contender. If it's "Widen one's view," EXPAND or BROADEN could fit. The versatility of "widen" makes it a good test of a solver's vocabulary and ability to identify synonyms across various contexts.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This immediately narrows down your options significantly and can help you eliminate many potential answers.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These are crucial for confirming or rejecting a potential answer. Even one letter can make all the difference.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: If the direct synonym isn't obvious, brainstorm other words with similar meanings. Sometimes, crosswords use a slightly less common synonym, or even an antonym with a negative prefix (e.g., "not narrow" for "widen").
- Explore Different Contexts: Remember that words can have multiple meanings. "Widen" could relate to physical space, abstract concepts (like 'widen horizons'), or even a specific action (like 'widen a skirt hem'). Think broadly about the word's applications.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'widen' typically imply in crossword clues?
In crossword puzzles, 'widen' generally implies making something broader, larger, or extending its scope. Common synonyms include expand, enlarge, broaden, or stretch, often referring to physical dimensions but sometimes to abstract concepts like knowledge or influence.
Are there common letter counts for 'widen' answers?
Yes, answers for 'widen' can vary in length. Common lengths include 6 letters (e.g., EXPAND, EXTEND, SPREAD, DILATE) and 7 letters (e.g., BROADEN, ENLARGE). The specific word depends on the context of other intersecting words in the puzzle.
How do I distinguish between similar clues like 'expand' vs 'widen'?
While 'expand' and 'widen' are often interchangeable, 'widen' specifically refers to increasing breadth, whereas 'expand' can refer to increasing size in any dimension (volume, area, or scope). The surrounding letters or a more specific qualifier in the clue might hint at the exact word needed. Always consider the nuance and other letters you've filled in.