How to say "widen" in Japanese

• 広げるひろげるJLPT N2approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbThe broad, general-purpose verb: making something wider or larger, spreading it out, extending or expanding it — spreading a map across a table, spreading a cloth, widening a road.
• 広めるひろめるJLPT N2approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers broadening or extending something in the sense of widening its reach or scope — spreading knowledge, ideas, or influence. For physically widening or enlarging an object, 広げる is usually the word you want.
  旅行りょこうは人ひとの視野しやを広ひろめる。↗

  Travel broadens one's horizons.

For physically making something wider or spreading it out, 「広げる」 is the general choice; 「広める」 leans toward broadening reach or scope — spreading knowledge, ideas, or influence — rather than stretching objects.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 広げるひろげるto spread
• 取り広げるとりひろげるto enlarge
• 延べるのべるto lay out (a futon)
• おっぴろげるto spread
• 広めるひろめるto broaden
• 拡幅かくふくto widen (esp. a road)
• ひらくto be wide (gap, etc.)