BROAD Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'broad' different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad . While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered. // broad shoulders

Q: Where would 'deep' be a reasonable alternative to 'broad'?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point. // a deep cupboard // deep woods

Q: When could 'wide' be used to replace 'broad'?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned, or when applied to unfilled space between limits. // rugs eight feet wide // a wide doorway

broad

adjective

ˈbrȯd

Definition of broad next

as in wide

having a greater than usual measure across an unusually broad expanse of water in the island-dotted lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent her broad knowledge of American politics makes her a much-sought-after guest on talk shows

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation gave them a broad hint that it was time to leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in general

relating to the main elements and not to specific details a broad overview of the topic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word broad different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard

deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned, or when applied to unfilled space between limits.

rugs eight feet wide

a wide doorway

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of broad As well as EVs, the subsidies also apply for plug-in hybrids and cars with range extenders, part of a broader effort to support the nation’s auto sector, which employs around 700,000 people. —

Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 Space is becoming an integral part of the broader innovation landscape by enabling the refinement and validation of discoveries under unique conditions that are unattainable on Earth. —

Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 All the while, the dramatic shift to Sacramento’s downtown has inspired some broader reckonings, among local leaders, about how reliant the urban core had become upon office workers. —

Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026 Taken together, the changes created a system with a narrower definition of eligible content and broader enforcement capabilities. —

Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad

Adjective

From a national pie shop victory to a fatal military crash and a baseball controversy reaching the White House, Wednesday delivered a wide range of stories for Sacramento readers.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
Assembly Bill 46, which cleared the Senate late last month, gives judges wider latitude to deny diversion petitions and limits the types of crimes for which a defendant can be granted diversion.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026