as in broad
having considerable extent
calls for sweeping changes in the way the nation manages security in its major ports
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in flowing
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
the wind swept across the plain without respite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in curving
to turn away from a straight line or course
from this point the mountain range sweeps to the northeast and extends into the next state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 sweeping
Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 30 June 2025
The finding escalates the White House’s conflict with Harvard, which has faced mounting sanctions after rejecting a list of federal demands calling for sweeping changes to campus governance, hiring and admissions.
—Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
The wintry mix and rain sweeping across the Northeast continued Monday as another run of bad weather was set to hit the region later this week, meteorologists say.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Adjective
Stocks have made an impressive comeback after suffering steep declines in April, after Trump’s sweeping tariff policy pushed the S&P 500 near bear market territory.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 30 June 2025
The finding escalates the White House’s conflict with Harvard, which has faced mounting sanctions after rejecting a list of federal demands calling for sweeping changes to campus governance, hiring and admissions.
—Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
Tampa Bay is tied with Atlanta at 8-7 but no longer controls its destiny in the NFC South because the Falcons own the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series.
—Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
The wintry mix and rain sweeping across the Northeast continued Monday as another run of bad weather was set to hit the region later this week, meteorologists say.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping
Adjective
-
But states, immigrants and rights groups that have sued to block the executive order have accused the administration of trying to unsettle the broader understanding of birthright citizenship that has been accepted since the amendment's adoption.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 June 2025
-
Reynolds, of Tampa, said emergency response laws are meant to be broad to give leaders the flexibility to make fast decisions and keep people safe.—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
The curving observation tower functions as a massive sundial and marks the changing of the seasons.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
25 Dec. 2024
-
Its design is inspired by ancient Sun worship, as well as watchtowers that were once used to warn Chinese Emperors of seaborne attacks, and its curving form has been constructed from two layers of slanted concrete shells that echo the sound of the waves.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
His injuries left him unable to work, leading to financial woes that were exacerbated by extensive hospital bills for medical care, diagnostic tests and therapy, Moore wrote.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
-
Now, the Hornets play at the Spectrum Center in uptown, which is undergoing extensive renovations.—
Katie Black,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
The new blow-dryer brush offers everything the OG did—plus a smaller handle, a smaller brush head to give you more control, and a fourth heat setting to suit a wider range of hair types.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
30 June 2025
-
Based on the above analysis, a wide variety of organizations can benefit greatly from the introduction of digital workers.—
Anton Alikov,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Whetstone sharpening involves soaking a low-to-high grit stone in water and gliding a dull blade up and down it at an angle, removing steel to create a sharp edge.—
Ahmed Ali Akbar,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
-
With Neptune gliding through your third house of communication, learning and mental processes, everything from your thoughts to the dynamics of your inner circles will undergo a subtle but powerful transformation.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
What people have not always had is either the awareness or deep enough pockets, which means FIFA should reduce prices and fill these stadiums.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Many of those affected are still caught in a holding pattern, trying to figure out how to receive their passports, while others have conflicting emotions as the policy's impact went far deeper than just not having a passport.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
After ten days of cruising Antarctic waters, dodging icebergs, and spotting elephant seals, the cruise’s 140 passengers could toss their Dramamine, catch a plane from the gravel runway at Frei Station research base, and fly straight back to Chile.—
Blair Braverman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Starting at $203,000, the Sportster 25 Surf is the company’s newest, smallest, and sportiest boat, engineered for wake-surfers skilled enough to bob behind a boat cruising at 11 miles per hour.—
Jaclyn Trop,
Robb Report,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Apple Music has unveiled a new studio near its Culver City headquarters, an expansive 15,000-square-foot space the streaming service hopes will serve as an all-in-one creative hub where musicians can come for radio interviews, write and record new music, conduct photo shoots and film video content.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2025
-
The expansive 5,000-square-foot patio includes umbrellas for shade and patio lights, with plenty of greenery to welcome guests.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweeping. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share