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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 other fall and winter quarters are open to a wider range of SCAD courses including architecture, art history, fashion and fibers. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2025 Either way, this is launching into early access this July, so it won't be entirely finished or get a wider release just yet, but if Grounded is anything to go by it should be pretty good from the get-go either way. Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adverb
Over the past 10 years, President Donald Trump has shattered them wide open. Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 While the beaches tend to get crowded on peak-season weekends, large swaths of immaculate sand are wide open during weekdays and during the off-season. Kara Franker, Southern Living, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • 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
  • The increase reflects both the area's UNESCO World Heritage designation and the broader appeal of Champagne as a destination.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • This propulsive narrative is buttressed by extensive research documented in voluminous footnotes.
    Book Marks June 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
  • 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
Adverb
  • The prospect of trying to cut open a stubborn 5-4-1 block in the Orlando heat could have become torturous quite quickly.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Spielberg introduced a behind-the-scenes clip that didn’t quite confirm an alien theme, though plenty of menacing figures in unmarked black cars were seen chasing Blunt (who appeared in several scenes as an everywoman in a rural area).
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lots of Rules, Lots of Cash Rules governing property and building codes are thick and can be incomprehensible to most homeowners.
    Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Still the aftertaste of raspberry filling clings to her soft palate, as thick and heady and floral as menstrual blood.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Senate is currently deliberating the sweeping Republican tax and spending bill, which President Trump wants Congress to send to him by Friday.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • The sculpture park, which boasts sweeping views of the Øresund Sound, contains over 50 works from the likes of Henry Moore, Joan Miró, Jean Arp, and Alexander Calder, as well as site-specific installations by Richard Serra and George Trakas.
    Kin Woo, Vogue, 30 June 2025
Adverb
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • Signs that smart leaders know: a world where customers demand sustainable products is fast approaching.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 June 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
  • Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for both marine life and Attenborough’s extraordinary body of work.
    AudioFile Magazine June 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
Adverb
  • This adaptation aligns perfectly with our mission to bring underrepresented perspectives to the screen through bold, engaging, and entertaining stories.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 June 2025
  • Not a superstar but, like Happ in LF, perfectly sufficient and acceptable at first.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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