nationwide

1 of 2

adjective

na·​tion·​wide ˌnā-shən-ˈwīd How to pronounce nationwide (audio)
Synonyms of nationwidenext
: extending throughout a nation

nationwide

2 of 2

adverb

: throughout the nation

Examples of nationwide in a Sentence

Adjective The murders attracted nationwide attention.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
In 2009 and 2010 a nationwide Salmonella outbreak resisted investigation until warehouse-club membership records turned up 19 sick shoppers who had all bought the same salami. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 The restaurant is expected to be Flower Child’s 46th nationwide. — Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 21 July 2026
Adverb
Since the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, some cities nationwide have heeded calls to reallocate money away from law enforcement and into mental health and social services. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 More than 300 local bans and moratoriums have now been enacted nationwide. — John Kostyack, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nationwide

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nationwide was in 1891

Rhymes for nationwide

See All Rhymes for nationwide

Browse Nearby Words

nation-state
nationwide
native
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nationwide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationwide. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nationwide

adjective
na·​tion·​wide
ˌnā-shən-ˈwīd
: extending throughout a nation
nationwide phone service

More from Merriam-Webster on nationwide

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nationwide

Nglish: Translation of nationwide for Spanish Speakers

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