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
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
In both of these cases, the majority ruled expansively, issuing sweeping legal proclamations that will have serious consequences for people whose rights are violated.
—
Leah Litman,
The Atlantic,
26 June 2026
New Atlas,
18 June 2026
The warnings were followed by sweeping airstrikes, which Israel said targeted the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Adjective
That action took place months after state lawmakers approved a sweeping property tax relief measure, Senate Enrolled Act 1.
—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
In both of these cases, the majority ruled expansively, issuing sweeping legal proclamations that will have serious consequences for people whose rights are violated.
—
Leah Litman,
The Atlantic,
26 June 2026
Verb
Instead of simply sweeping the same patch of ocean repeatedly, the drone estimates where the person is most likely to be, and plans a route to avoid wasting time.
—
New Atlas,
18 June 2026
The warnings were followed by sweeping airstrikes, which Israel said targeted the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping
Adjective
-
The announcement signals a potential compromise in a standoff that had threatened to delay Bell’s confirmation and raised broader questions about governance at Florida’s flagship university.
-
That idea has broad support from lawmakers, though most housing experts disagree that such a step is needed.
Verb
-
Traffic cameras in the area show eastbound traffic flowing.
-
At the center of the main floor is a chef’s kitchen outfitted with sleek custom cabinetry and expansive workspace, flowing easily into the living and dining areas.
Verb
-
The innovative Panoramic Display consists of a 48-inch screen curving from door to door along the base of the windshield.
-
Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon that occurs when an object of great mass comes between Earth and a distant background source, curving the fabric of spacetime.
Adjective
-
Don't wait for a perfect plan or extensive training; real learning in pricing, marketing, and operations occurs through direct action and adaptation.
-
Battiloro was arrested following an extensive investigation and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and multiple traffic offenses, according to prosecutors.
Verb
-
The bedroom window was open wide, the char of campfire smoke drifting through.
-
Most concerning, according to an analysis by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, is a 2026-27 spending plan that is balanced on paper but drifting steadily toward a structural deficit like the one that haunts the city of San Diego.
Adjective
-
Born in Brooklyn to a Haitian father and a Puerto Rican mother, Basquiat drew on a wide range of cultural references that shaped both his life and his work.
-
The same went for a wide throw from Anthony Volpe, which let Boston score on a potential double play ball in the eighth inning.
Verb
-
And for the best views, get one of the small, stylish rooms on the fourth floor—you’ll be able to see the ships gliding by.
-
Mars is spending the final days of the month gliding past the famous Pleiades star cluster (also known as the Seven Sisters) and this celestial encounter will not be this easy to see again for years.
Adjective
-
While the artist’s work resonates with audiences around the world, Miami’s deep Caribbean and Latin American cultures, central to the city’s identity, may allow many visitors to connect in a deeper way.
-
The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd (Hugh Jackman) who is found dead.
Cite this Entry
“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweeping. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
