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

State officials said the isolated instances of noncitizens voting, if accurate, are not evidence of widespread voter fraud. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Trump’s claims have been rejected by the courts and even since his return to the White House in 2025 no evidence of widespread fraud has been surfaced. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Tinubu has largely not faced widespread protests or strong political opposition since ending the subsidy. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

The student action was distinct from the looting, which has prompted widespread condemnation from retailers and business groups. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 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