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
Timea widespread erosion surface—C. B. Hitchcock
C. B. HitchcockExamples 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
But in reality, there is no evidence of widespread misuse, and not all students registered with a disability receive accommodation in every class.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025
Defenders of the new provision, including top members of Congress, say it should be seen as setting a legislative minimum on safety and now helps prevent a widespread number of military craft from flying without broadcasting their locations, except in limited circumstances.
—Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Dec. 2025
Newman worries the state could soon see widespread instability as people are forced to choose between keeping their insurance and meeting their basic needs.
—Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for widespread
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Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025
Defenders of the new provision, including top members of Congress, say it should be seen as setting a legislative minimum on safety and now helps prevent a widespread number of military craft from flying without broadcasting their locations, except in limited circumstances.
—Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Dec. 2025
Newman worries the state could soon see widespread instability as people are forced to choose between keeping their insurance and meeting their basic needs.
—Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for widespread
Cite this Entry
“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widespread. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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