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
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Recent Examples of sweeping
Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Years in the making At the center of the prosecution is a sweeping federal indictment that paints a stark picture of Venezuela’s upper echelons of power, alleging that for more than two decades the country’s leadership turned the machinery of the state into a vehicle for narcotics trafficking.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Will Stone, NPR, 17 Mar. 2026
At least one multi-vehicle pileup was reported due to the blinding dust sweeping across the state.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Adjective
In its latest move to address a $45 million shortfall, the University of North Texas made sweeping plans to eliminate and consolidate dozens of academic programs.
—Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Years in the making At the center of the prosecution is a sweeping federal indictment that paints a stark picture of Venezuela’s upper echelons of power, alleging that for more than two decades the country’s leadership turned the machinery of the state into a vehicle for narcotics trafficking.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
But a sweeping review of cannabis studies over the past 45 years concludes there is little to no high-quality evidence showing this is effective.
—Will Stone, NPR, 17 Mar. 2026
At least one multi-vehicle pileup was reported due to the blinding dust sweeping across the state.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping
Adjective
-
While oil prices have surged amid disruptions to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the broader market impact has been complicated by inflation fears and concerns about a hit to global growth.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The slate to replace her is diverse, reflecting the broader region, as both longtime politicians and a handful of outsiders have proved competitive.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This time, disruptions to shipping routes are interrupting those flows and that reduces the amount of money flowing back into financial markets, removing a key source of cash flows, the bank noted.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
-
As the drugs started flowing, King began breathing heavily, his body twitching.—
DAVID FISCHER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The sculptural creation hung from her neck like a necklace, before curving over her chest.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
16 Mar. 2026
-
With its large curving wooden wall, its red carpet and ceiling full of recessed lights, the space is somehow too stately for the show.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Picking a cocktail from the extensive menu feels akin to being a kid in a sweet shop.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Qatar, a key source of natural gas for world markets, said Iranian missiles caused extensive damage to the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility, where production had already been halted after earlier attacks.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Drivers may also experience drifting snow.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Ice accumulations may make roads slick, while lighter snow totals will still cause travel difficulties and drifting snow as winds pick up.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Iran kept up its wave of attacks launched at Israel that have sent millions of people to shelters, with sirens sounding across a wide swath of the north, from Haifa to the Galilee to the border with Lebanon.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Since then, Theroux’s body of work has gained a wider, younger audience who appreciate him as a uniquely empathetic interviewer capable of disarming subjects who others can’t crack.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Moon is gliding into your 3rd House of Discussions, encouraging thoughtful messages that show patience and explain your intentions for upcoming events.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
For Belinsky, the game still delivers the same rush — the feeling of gliding across the ice, the satisfaction of a clean shot, the bite of cold air filling his lungs.—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Expect lively, clubby vibes as local DJs pump out deep house and dance to soul and techno, depending on the mood.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
-
See latest conditions Rainfall during the critical germination months from September through November was well below normal, and the winter rain needed to support deep roots and healthy growth also fell short.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweeping. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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