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
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
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
The city's Department of Public Works (DPW) is still working to remove trash and debris from the historic flooding, and street sweeping will begin along affected roads in the coming days, according to a release from the department.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Both amendments were incorporated into the county’s sweeping Vision 2050 plan, an overhaul of Orange County’s blueprint for growth over the next 25 years.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
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Noun
The decision to drop slightly deeper last season aimed to compensate for Newcastle’s lack of pace at centre-back — although Thiaw’s arrival should add speed to the back line, perhaps making Howe’s side less reliant on Pope’s sweeping.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
The city's Department of Public Works (DPW) is still working to remove trash and debris from the historic flooding, and street sweeping will begin along affected roads in the coming days, according to a release from the department.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The listing explains that the home offers sweeping views of Central Park and glimpses of the Hudson River, being just one block away from the beloved tourist attraction.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Both amendments were incorporated into the county’s sweeping Vision 2050 plan, an overhaul of Orange County’s blueprint for growth over the next 25 years.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Cite this Entry
“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweeping. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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