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

Hase and McGinn said the practice had been widespread and well-known in Pinecrest. —Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026

According to the National Weather Service, widespread high temperatures in the 80s and 90s are expected throughout the region on Friday outside of the immediate coast. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

The remarks drew widespread criticism and prompted an apology, with Galavis later citing a language barrier. —Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

The video has since gone viral, drawing nearly 500,000 likes and widespread reaction online. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 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