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

Rather than repairing one window at a time, replacing several as part of a coordinated project can address widespread damage, improve comfort and create a more consistent appearance. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

This innovation now includes the widespread use of ground drones, which look like trollies and perform a wide range of tasks that have become too dangerous for troops. — Greg Myre, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026

The study also can’t establish how widespread these problems are. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

But as driverless vehicles become more widespread in cities across the country, residents and policymakers have voiced concerns. — Los Angeles Times, 5 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