sweeping

1 of 2

noun

sweep·​ing ˈswē-piŋ 

1

: the act or action of one that sweeps

gave the room a good sweeping

2

sweepings plural : things collected by sweeping : refuse

sweeping

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area

b

: having a curving line or form

2

a

: extensive

sweeping reforms

b

: marked by wholesale and indiscriminate inclusion

sweeping generalities

sweepingly adverb

sweepingness noun

Synonyms of sweeping

Adjective

• broad
• extensive
• wide
• deep
• expansive
• extended

Examples of sweeping in a Sentence

Noun

The porch needs a good sweeping.

Adjective

a sweeping view of the valley

He dismissed the idea with a sweeping motion of his arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The goal itself was effectively a long one-two between Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the former sweeping in a left-footed finish from a low cross by the latter. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 May 2026

Many politicians are only too happy to propose a sweeping (if generally temporary) tax cut. — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Adjective

The ranch spans about 245 acres and sits at the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 84, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Marienlyst Strandhotel, right on the waterfront in Helsingør, is a truly wonderful escape that features sweeping views, spa indulgence, and effortless Scandi style. — Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sweeping

• sweeping victory

Rhymes for sweeping

• beeping
• creeping
• heaping
• keeping
• leaping
• peeping
• reaping
• seeping
• sleeping
• steeping
• weeping
• beekeeping

Kids Definition

sweeping

1 of 2 noun

sweep·​ing

1

: the act or action of one that sweeps

2

plural : things collected by sweeping

sweeping

2 of 2 adjective

1

a

: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area

b

: having a curving line or form

2

: broad sense 5

sweeping reforms

sweeping generalizations

sweepingly

ˈswē-piŋ-lē

adverb