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wide

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

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

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

In what contexts can broad take the place of wide?

Although the words broad and wide have much in common, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is deep a more appropriate choice than wide?

In some situations, the words deep and wide are roughly equivalent. However, deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

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 wide
Adjective
The structure is roughly 39 feet high and 69 feet long, in addition to being 26 feet wide. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025 Several people recommended Altra shoes for wide feet on a Reddit thread, and one said even the regular, non-wide sizes fit them much better than other brands’ wide sizes because of the unique shape. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Frimpong, who is expected to deputise wide on the right when Salah goes off to the Africa Cup of Nations in December, is 24. James Pearce, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 End 3rd Quarter Scott Starzyk's 49-yard field goal attempt off the left hash went wide left with 22 seconds left in the third quarter and the Razorbacks are in trouble now. Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • These factors are steadily eroding the viability of family farms and the broader agricultural economy.
    Cristina LaRue, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The system, currently a broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, now has a 90% chance of development within the next seven days, according to the latest forecast.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Add in the possibility of more extensive – and costly – work such as bridges, crowns, extractions or implants, and the anxiety can grow even stronger.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Since marrying Horace at the end of Episode 1, Kimmie has conducted extensive research on Beauty in Black and has been under the mentorship of her husband, who is still alive and currently in Italy, undergoing experimental cancer treatment.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • In short, The Paper doesn’t quite escape the shadow of its big brother, but that’s just fine with us.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But then Belly scraps her Parisian plans and pledges her young life to Jeremiah, a rising super senior at Finch majoring in getting high and going to Cabo (which, quite honestly, is more age-appropriate than a wedding).
    Vogue, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The paper demonstrates thick sodium cathodes that perform at room temperature and down to freezing.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The alveolar wall is only one cell thick.
    Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His appearance marked the first interview in a sweeping inquiry that also sought sitdowns with former President Bill Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and former FBI Director James Comey.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The House passed the sweeping tax and spending bill after winning over fiscal hawks and moderate Republicans.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Traditional data lakes can store raw data at scale but lack quality controls, while warehouses enforce structure but struggle with unstructured or fast changing data.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Today, Indri is the world’s fastest-growing Indian single malt for the second year, according to the IWSR, with over 2 million bottles sold in 2024 – with many sold internationally.
    Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Frequently, capital comes with deep industry roots — a former music executive backing a music startup, or a healthcare veteran funding a medtech company.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Subprime borrowers and deep subprime borrowers are not likely to buy new cars.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Ortega kept her glam perfectly moody, with a low, messy bun, a deep plum lip, and whisper thin eyebrows.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Prettygarden One-Shoulder Formal Maxi Dress If you’re headed to a wedding this fall, don’t miss this dress that’s perfectly compact-chic—and currently 45% off.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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