widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: widely diffused or prevalent

widespread public interest

2

: widely extended or spread out

… low, widespread hood and fenders …

—Time

a widespread erosion surface

—C. B. Hitchcock

Synonyms of widespread

• extensive
• broad
• wide
• sweeping
• deep

Examples of widespread in a Sentence

There is widespread public interest in the election.

Trade partners had become more widespread.

There was widespread opposition to the plan.

Recent Examples on the Web

This significant change, effective July 11 via a title update, follows widespread community backlash and the viral #CFBPlayDontPay boycott. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

The decision drew widespread public anger, both toward the Norwegian government, and toward spectators who sought out Freya and disregarded official warnings. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Beyond self-reporting, technology around AI detection will also play a key role in widespread labeling going forward. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026

In the 74-page lawsuit, the attorney general stated that the use of the defendants’ PFAS in consumer products also led to widespread environmental contamination. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for widespread

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: scattered or found over a wide area

widespread interest in the election

2

: spread out over a wide area

widespread wings